UEFA FACE HEADACHE OVER WAR

UEFA could face a massive financial headache if Russian sanctions extend into football.

European football’s governing body has already moved the Champions League

Final from St Petersburg to Paris following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine this week.

A number of European countries have also signed a declaration that they will refuse to play matches there.

But UEFA’s links with

Russia run deep and a wholesale withdrawal of Russian funds from the European game could have severe financial consequences.

Rob Wilson, a sports finance expert at Sheffield Hallam University, said UEFA have big decisions to make in the coming days.

“UEFA are heavily funded by Russian sponsorships, with Gazprom the biggest,” said Wilson.

“It’s quite possible the UEFA budget could unravel.”