Russia stripped of major events, including Formula One grand prix, as invasion of Ukraine intensifies

Russia stripped of several major events including Champions League final, while Russian soccer teams are not allowed to host matches

Formula One pulled its race from Russia, saying it would be ‘impossible’ to hold the race in Sochi under the current circumstances

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Formula One said it would be ‘impossible’ to hold the race in Sochi. Photo: AFP

Published: 4:15pm, 26 Feb 2022Updated: 1:25pm, 9 Mar 2022

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.

“Russia must not be allowed to exploit sporting and cultural events on the world stage to legitimise its unprovoked, premeditated and needless attack against a sovereign democratic state,” Dorries said.