No home games, no flag, no anthem: The world football association FIFA has imposed the first sanctions after the Russian attack on Ukraine – and is facing harsh criticism from Poland.
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.
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).
In addition, FIFA reserves the right to impose further sanctions. Russia was not excluded from the World Cup play-offs.
FIFA sanctions against Russia ‘unacceptable’
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 FIFA’s sanctions against Russia as “unacceptable”.
He explained via 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 play-off game in the qualifying for the World Cup in Qatar between Poland and the team from Russia is scheduled for March 24. The winner of the duel should then meet the winner of the match Czech Republic – Sweden.
The Czech association FACR also continues to reject a clash with Russia. “Nothing will change in the position of the Czech national team,” said the FACR late Sunday evening.
The Swedish association SvFF is also not changing its position. President Karl-Erik Nilsson said he was “upset” by FIFA’s decision in a statement: “We have previously announced that we do not wish to compete under these circumstances and this will remain so for the time being.”
