UEFA are reportedly considering changing venue for Champions League final amid ever-growing diplomatic issues between Russia and Ukraine.
This season’s showpiece game is due to take place at the Gazprom Arena in St Petersburg on May 28 as Blues owner Roman Abramovich hopes to see his side qualify for consecutive finals.
But UEFA bosses may be left with no choice but to switch venues should Russian president Vladimir Putin continue with his threat to invade neighbouring Ukraine.
According to the Daily Star, Wembley Stadium would be considered as a possible alternative to host club football’s biggest game, especially if two English teams have reached the final.
Staging the Champions League final is said to be worth more than £60million to the host city, which could impact the UK economy in a positive way.
UK Defence Secretary Ben Wallace has told parliament there is “strong cause for concern that President Putin “is still committed to an invasion.”
UEFA are monitoring the Ukrainian crisis closely, with a view to drawing up a contingency plan if needed.
Last season’s final was switched from Istanbul to Porto just three weeks before kick off, after the Turkish city was placed on the Covid 19 red list, meaning supporters were unable to travel.
If this switch of venues were to be confirmed, it would represent the first Champions League final being played at the national stadium since the 2013 all German showpiece event in which Bayern Munich beat Borussia Dortmund courtesy of a late strike from former Chelsea star Arjen Robben.
That wasn’t the only final to take place as Lionel Messi put on a fine display in Barcelona’s 3-1 victory over Man United back in 2011.
Chelsea still have someway yet to go until they reach the final with Lille up first in the knockout rounds but the prospect of an all English final at the national stadium would certainly be a spectacle for the neutral.