Fifa reacted to the Russian attacks in Ukraine and imposed the first sanctions. Russia was not excluded from the World Cup playoffs. An initial reaction, however, followed promptly.
No home games, no flag, no anthem: The world football association Fifa imposed the first sanctions after the Russian attack on Ukraine. International games are no longer played in Russia, home games are played on neutral ground. In addition, the anthem will no longer be played at national team games, and the Russian flag will not be visible either.
Poland’s association president speaks of “unacceptable” sanctions
In addition, the national team is no longer allowed to play under the name of Russia. In future it will appear under the name of its association RFU. This was announced by Fifa on Sunday evening. The decision was made unanimously and in close consultation with the European Football Union (Uefa). Fifa also reserves the right to impose further sanctions. Russia was not excluded from the World Cup play-offs.
At the same time, Fifa once again condemned the “Russian violence during the invasion” and expressed its “deepest solidarity” with all the people affected. In addition, the world association called for “the restoration of peace and the immediate establishment of a constructive dialogue”.
Poland’s association president Cezary Kulesza described the sanctions by Fifa as “unacceptable”. The official said on Twitter: “We are not interested in a game of appearances. Our position remains unchanged: the Polish national team will NOT play a game against Russia. It doesn’t matter what the Russian team is called.”
The Polish FA also issued a statement, reiterating that they see no possibility of playing against Russia in the playoffs “regardless of what the Russian team is called and where the game is played.”