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Russia's Aggression in Ukraine Has a Direct Impact on Champions League, World Cup

Geopolitics and global football often find themselves intertwined, and current events have once again brought the two into the same space—with multiple layers.

UEFA is seriously considering moving this season’s Champions League final away from St. Petersburg as Russian aggression in Ukraine escalates. Emergency talks were held on Tuesday, but it may not be until after the quarterfinals that a final decision on the venue is taken.

COVID-19 forced the final to be moved from Istanbul in each of the last two seasons, and a third successive switch is something UEFA desperately wanted to avoid.