The world football association FIFA and the European governing body UEFA have reacted to the Russian invasion of Ukraine with resolute measures.
Russia national team will not start at World Cup 2022 in Qatar. Banned from the upcoming playoffs in March, Sbornaya cannot qualify for the finals. Playoff opponents Poland had already announced that they would not play on March 24 if Russia were allowed to participate.
There will also be no more teams from Russia at European club level this season.
“FIFA and UEFA jointly decided today that all Russian teams, whether at national or club level, will be banned from all FIFA and UEFA competitions.” The decision applies until further notice. “Football stands together and in solidarity behind the affected people in Ukraine,” the statement continued.
Bundesliga club RB Leipzig is also affected. The Saxons should have played Spartak Moscow in the round of 16 of the Europa League in March, but the Red Bulls are now in the quarter-finals without a fight. It was already clear beforehand that Spartak’s home game should have been played at a neutral venue. Now the game is completely canceled.
The decision will also have an impact on the women’s European Championship in England in July. Russia would have been group opponents there with the Netherlands, Sweden and Switzerland. The latter had previously announced a boycott of Russian games along with numerous other associations.
The fact that the step will take place is only partially surprising. Earlier, FIFA Vice-President Zbigniew Boniek said in an interview with the Website of the Italian Football Federation.
“Today there is no place in football for Russia, a country that has invaded another. In my opinion, they should not take part in any competition, not only for sanction reasons, but also for security reasons,” the 65-year-old is quoted as saying.