Wembley is in the frame to host this season’s Champions League final as UEFA consider a change of venue amid rising political tensions between Russia and Ukraine.
The final for the 2021/22 season is scheduled to take place at the Gazprom Arena in Saint Petersburg on May 28, but the threat of Russia invading neighbouring Ukraine has created doubt over whether the final will be staged in the former nation.
The Mirror are reporting that UEFA are now considering moving the final to a new venue, with Wembley among the front runners to stage the showpiece – a situation which is reportedly worth £60m to the host city.
Contingency plans are now being made and the Champions League final could be moved at short notice for the second successive season, having seen last season’s showpiece switched from Istanbul to Porto after Turkey was placed on the Covid-19 red list.
Wembley has twice previously hosted Champions League finals since the opening of the new venue, staging Barcelona’s victory over Manchester United in 2011 and the first all-Bundesliga final between Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich two seasons later.
Each of the four Premier League sides remain in the Champions League this season, increasing the prospect of a fourth all-English final in 2022 after Chelsea beat Manchester City to be crowned champions of Europe last season.
