Last year’s Eurovision Song Contest saw 39 countries compete.
Eurovision Song ContestAs 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.
“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.”
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.
