Following the Prime Minister’s statement to the House of Commons on the UK’s response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Jesse Norman raises the issue of football - club ownership, property and shareholdings, and the future participation of Russian clubs in international matches.
Jesse Norman (Hereford and South Herefordshire) (Con)
The whole House will welcome the enhanced package of sanctions that the Prime Minister has announced today, but may I raise the question of football, much beloved of Russian hearts, and in particular issues of ownership, property and shareholdings, and the future participation of Russian clubs in international matches?
The Prime Minister (Boris Johnson)
My right hon. Friend is completely right. The Russians attach a great deal of sentimental importance to football, and they hope to hold the UEFA championship final in St Petersburg. I cannot for the life of me see how that can currently go ahead.