UEFA may be considering changing the venue for the final of the Champions League this year due to the Russia-Ukraine crisis, according to reports.

Currently the final of the 2021/22 competition is set to take place at the Gazprom Arena in Saint Petersburg on May 29.

However, The Mirror has reported that there are "serious doubts" from UEFA about it taking place there now due to the Ukrainian crisis that could see Russia invade their neighbouring country.

This comes after the news today that the Government is preparing to place sanctions on key Russian figures and businesses after President Vladimir Putin recognised two breakaway regions of eastern Ukraine as independent states.

The Leader: Vladimir Putin has recognised two regions in Ukraine as independent states (PA)Vladimir Putin has recognised two regions in Ukraine as independent states (PA)

At the 0630 meeting of the Cobra committee, the Prime Minister was briefed on the latest intelligence after Mr Putin ordered his troops to carry out “peacekeeping” duties in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions.

Health Secretary Sajid Javid added that due to Putin's recognition of these two regions in Ukraine as independent states that the invasion of the country has in effect "begun".


READ MORERussia's 'invasion of Ukraine has begun' on 'very dark day in Europe', Sajid Javid warns


In terms of the Champions League, The Mirror has also said that Wembley Stadium could be used as an alternative instead if a decision had to be made.

Last year the final of the Champions League was switched from Istanbul to Porto just three weeks before kick off, after the Turkish city was placed on the Covid red list, meaning supporters were unable to travel.