Russia Banned From This Year's Eurovision

In the wake of the Ukraine invasion, the European Broadcasting Union says Russia's inclusion would "bring the competition into disrepute." Plus, the 2022 Champions League final gets moved from Saint Petersburg.

Meara Isenberg Writer

Meara covers streaming service news for CNET. She recently graduated from the University of Texas at Austin, where she wrote for her college newspaper, The Daily Texan, as well as for state and local magazines. When she's not writing, she likes to dote over her cat, sip black coffee and try out new horror movies.

See full bio

Meara Isenberg

Feb. 25, 2022 12:38 p.m. PT

Last year's Eurovision Song Contest saw 39 countries compete.

Eurovision Song Contest

As consequences of Russia's Ukraine invasion continue to mount, the country has been banned from participating in the 2022 Eurovision Song Contest, the European Broadcasting Union said Friday.

This story is part of War in Ukraine, CNET's coverage of events there and of the wider effects on the world.

"The European Broadcasting Union has announced that no Russian act will participate in this year's Eurovision song contest," reads a statement from the organization, which operated Eurovision. "In light of the unprecedented crisis in Ukraine, the inclusion of a Russian entry in this year's contest would bring the competition into disrepute."

Statement from @EBU_HQ regarding Russia's participation in the Eurovision Song Contest 2022.https://t.co/HmKJdqVE4J pic.twitter.com/tVH6yFxzbq
— Eurovision Song Contest (@Eurovision) February 25, 2022

The Eurovision song contest is an international singing competition that sees representatives from multiple countries face off on a live stage. The event returned last year after a year's hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This year's contest is set to take place in May in Turin, Italy.

Both the US and European Union have levied sanctions against Russia following its invasion of Ukraine.

The contest isn't the only large-scale event impacted by Russia's invasion. Also on Friday, the Union of European Football Associations announced Saint Petersburg would no longer host the 2022 Champions League final. The match will be relocated to Stade de France in Paris, according to a statement.