Champions League extends ban for Russian clubs as UEFA take strong stance against Putin

UEFA have announced that Russian clubs will be banned from competing in the Champions League next season as their strong stance on the country continues. The governing body banned all club and national teams representing Russia from its competitions in February following Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine.

Clubs and national teams were prevented from competing in the likes of the Champions League, Europa League and the women’s European Championship, which takes place in England later this year. St. Petersburg has also been stripped of this year’s Champions League final as Russia continues to be ostracised by the sporting world.

The ban was effective until “further notice” but there remained confusion over who it would apply to and when. For instance, Russia had qualified for the women’s European Championship and it appeared that a replacement would have to be fairly sourced.

Portugal, who were beaten by Russia in a qualification play-off, will now take their place. Further measures have been announced as Russian clubs continue to be marginalised across the world.

There will be no clubs from the country in next year’s Champions League, Europa League, Conference League, women’s Champions League or UEFA Youth League. The country’s coefficient ranking, which often decides the number of entrants in future competitions, will also be affected.

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