Russia stripped of major events as invasion of Ukraine intensifies
Gulf Times
An aerial view shows the Gazprom Arena soccer stadium in Saint Petersburg. (file photo)
As Russian forces moved deeper into Ukraine on Friday, sports bodies moved quickly to strip Russia of events, with St Petersburg losing the Champions League final while the Formula One Grand Prix will not be held in Sochi.
Russia launched its invasion by land, air and sea on Thursday following a declaration of war by President Vladimir Putin, with an estimated 100,000 people fleeing as explosions and gunfire rocked major cities.
European soccer governing body UEFA decided to relocate the Champions League final -- club soccer's showpiece event -- to the Stade de France in Paris after receiving support from French President Emmanuel Macron.
The decision was met with regret by the Kremlin but welcomed by UK Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries.
