Russia-Ukraine crisis: From Champions League final to Formula One Grand Prix - Major sporting events cancelled in Russia

European soccer governing body UEFA decided to relocate the Champions League final -- club soccer's showpiece event -- to the Stade de France in Paris after receiving support from French President Emmanuel Macron.

The decision was met with regret by the Kremlin but welcomed by UK Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries.

"Russia must not be allowed to exploit sporting and cultural events on the world stage to legitimise its unprovoked, premeditated and needless attack against a sovereign democratic state," Dorries said.

Formula One, motorsport's governing body FIA and the teams discussed the situation and came to the conclusion that it was "impossible to hold the Russian Grand Prix in the current circumstances".

The race, which joined the calendar in 2014, was scheduled for Sept. 25 at Sochi's Olympic Park. On Thursday, both former champion Sebastian Vettel and reigning champion Max Verstappen said it was "wrong" to race in Russia

After Poland, Sweden and the Czech Republic refused to play World Cup qualifiers in Russia, UEFA said home games of Ukrainian and Russian club and national teams competing in UEFA competitions would be played at neutral venues. read more

That could affect Spartak Moscow's chances in the Europa League after they were drawn with German side RB Leipzig. The Russian team had the advantage of being seeded for the draw but will now have to play the second leg at a neutral venue.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) urged international sports federations to either move or cancel sports events currently planned in Russia or Belarus.

The IOC added the two countries' flags should not be displayed at sports events.

The International Judo Federation (IJF) said it had cancelled its May 20-22 Grand Slam event in Kazan, Russia but in a brief statement IJF President Marius Vizer did not make any reference to Russia or Ukraine.

"The International Judo Federation announces with regret the cancellation of the 2022 Grand Slam in Kazan, Russia," said Vizer, who has longstanding ties with Putin, a judoka himself.

"We are saddened by the current international situation, the result of an inefficient dialogue at the international level."

Five World Cup skiing events that were scheduled to take place in Russia this weekend and next month have been cancelled or moved by the International Ski Federation (FIS) in the interest of the safety and integrity of the competition.

"Participants are already on-site at the two World Cup events that were planned for this weekend and FIS is working closely with the involved stakeholders to ensure their quick return back home," it said.

The International Tennis Federation also has events scheduled in Russia and Ukraine this year. But it took steps to postpone a World Tennis Tour tournament scheduled to take place in Ukraine in April.

The International Chess Federation (FIDE) said the Chess Olympiad and FIDE Congress will not take place in Moscow later this year and were doing their "utmost to find another organiser for the Olympiad".

The World Curling Federation Board convened an emergency meeting and stripped the Russian city of Perm of the European Curling Championships scheduled for May.

Swimming's global governing body FINA called off a men's water polo World League match in St. Petersburg next month while an Artistic Swimming and Diving World Series event scheduled for April in Kazan was cancelled.

The Board of European Aquatics also postponed competitions in Russia, including a women's water polo Euro League quarter-final game, to a date and place yet to be confirmed.