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The ongoing Russia-Ukraine Crisis is having a huge impact on various industries across the globe and sports is no different. As expected, the concerned authorities have been forced to take required steps in reaction to the scary sequence of events unfolding in Europe. Here is a list of few key events in world of sports which have happened as a result of the state of war, initiated by Russia.
UEFA strips Russia of hosting UCL 2021-22 final
In one of the biggest developments, UEFA confirmed on Friday that the biggest event in club football i.e. UCL final of 2021-22 season, will be moved away from Russia. The match was scheduled to take place in St. Petersburg on May 28 but now, it has been shifted to Stade de France in Paris.
Team Jokerit pulls out of Kontinental Hockey League (KHL)
Finnish Ice Hockey Team Jokerit have notably pulled out of Russia's Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) season ahead of next month's playoffs. Club Chairman Jari Kurri admitted that it was "impossible" for them to continue their season in the Russian-based league.
Formula 1 cancels Russian Grand Prix
Sebastian Vettel announced on Thursday that he will boycott Russian GP 2022 citing that it won't be right for them to race there. Just a day later, F1 released an official statement confirming that they have decided to cancel the race, scheduled to take place on September 25 in Sochi.
International Ski Federation cancels World Cup events in Russia
The International Ski Federation (FIS) have decided to cancel all of its remaining 2021/2022 FIS World Cup stages (around 6 events), which were slated to take place in Russia from February 25 to March 20. The events will now be conducted at a different venue, schedule of which will be out in coming days.
FC Schalke removes Russian sponsor Gazprom's name from jersey
German football club FC Schalke have also shown their boycott to Russia and have decided to remove the name of Russian firm Gazprom from their jerseys, who have been their main sponsors. "It will be replaced by lettering reading ‘Schalke 04’ instead," the club stated.
Man Utd terminate sponsorship deal with Russia's Aeroflot
English football club Manchester United parted ways with their official airline partner Aeroflot (Russian Airlines) and terminated the deal which was due to run till 2023. In a statement, United said, "In light of events in Ukraine, we have withdrawn Aeroflot's sponsorship rights."
International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) monitoring situation in Russia
Unlike other sports, the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) have notably shown reluctance in stripping Russia of major sporting event. As of now, the FIVB Volleyball Men's World Championship is scheduled to take place from August 26 to September 11 in Russia, as planned, however the authorities are monitoring the situation closely.