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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Jeremy Cross

Champions League final venue in doubt with Wembley in running as late replacement

UEFA could have to switch this season's Champions League Final to a new venue - with Wembley in the running to host the showpiece game.

The Final is due to take place in St Petersburg on May 29.

But serious doubts about it taking place at the Gazprom Arena have emerged at UEFA, due to the Ukrainian crisis that could see Russia invade their neighbouring country.

If this happens European football's governing body would have no choice but to abandon the original plan and come up with an alternative venue.

And Wembley would be one of the stadiums considered a possible alternative to host the Final, not least if the game turns out to be an all-English affair.

HAVE YOUR SAY! Which stadium would you like to see host the Champions League final? Join the discussion in the comments section.

The Gazprom Arena Stadium in St Petersburg is due to host the Champions League final (Alexander Demianchuk\TASS via Getty Images)

Staging the Champions League Final is said to be worth more than £60m to the host city.

UK Defence Secretary Ben Wallace has told parliament there is "strong cause for concern that President Putin "is still committed to an invasion."

UEFA are monitoring the Ukrainian crisis closely, with a view to drawing up a contingency plan if needed.

Last season's Final was switched from Istanbul to Porto just three weeks before kick off, after the Turkish city was placed on the Covid 19 red list, meaning supporters were unable to travel.

England could end up hosting the iconic fixture as UEFA consider a late change (GETTY)

Several major European airlines have announced they are either suspending or scaling back flights to both Ukraine and Russia amid increasing security concerns.

Manchester City, United, Liverpool and holders Chelsea have all reached the Champions League knockout stages, with Pep Guardiola's side the bookies favourites to go on and win it this season.

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