One last bridge
At the latest, the annexation of Crimea has revealed the approach of Vladimir Putin’s Russia. The West’s reaction at the time? Toothless. A rethink since then? Hardly noticeable – especially in this country (keyword: Kneissl-Knicks). There is no doubt that moving the Champions League final scheduled for St. Petersburg away from Russia will not deter the would-be tsars from their great power fantasies. Tougher measures will be needed. On levels that hurt more than being deprived of a 90-minute kick from overpaid professionals. A kick that has often offered the opportunity to meet each other and start a conversation. And it is precisely the latter that is needed now. Has the time come to tear down this bridge as well?
Sporting sanction
The final of the most important club football competition is a sporting celebration that the whole world is watching. This year it is to be held in St. Petersburg, Vladimir Putin’s hometown – in the arena there, which bears the name of UEFA sponsor Gazprom.
After the escalation in the Ukraine crisis with the recognition of the self-proclaimed people’s republics in the Donbass and the impending troop invasion, it is completely inappropriate to offer the Russian President this stage. In any case, depriving Russia of the final would be a symbolically important sanction.
It is doubtful that the European football association will draw this conclusion, given the lack of integrity in large sports organizations.
Source: Nachrichten
