FIFA has notified Russia to finish their forthcoming games in neutral territory under the name the Football Union of Russia without their flag and anthem after the seizure of Ukraine.
Several countries have declared they will refuse to play Russia, counting England and Wales, as well as Poland, the Czech Republic and Sweden.
2022 World Cup play-offs would notice Russia face Poland prior facing either the Czech Republic or Sweden if they triumph – and are scheduled to be played in March.
Polish football association president, Cezary Kulesza stated FIFA’s decision was “totally unacceptable”, whilst the Swedish FA and the Czech Republic FA repeated their attitude that they would not play Russia.
“We are not interested in participating in this game of appearances. Our stance remains intact: Polish National Team will not play with Russia, no matter what the name of the team is,” he stated.
Swedish FA president Karl-Erik Nilsson notified Fotbollskanalen they were “not satisfied” with FIFA’s decision.
He voiced: “Our opinion is not different today and the situation has not changed in Ukraine just because we have received the message from FIFA, so we have no other opinion today.”
“We also want to talk to Poland and the Czech Republic so that we can give back to FIFA what we think, but we had expected a sharper stance from FIFA. We would have done so.”
The Women’s European Championship to be organized in England in July and Sweden, accompanying the Netherlands and Switzerland, are in the same group as Russia.
FIFA stated conversation will take place with other sporting organizations over whether Russia should be debarred from tournaments.
World football’s governing body stated in a statement, “FIFA would like to repeat its condemnation of the use of force by Russia in its invasion of Ukraine.”
“Violence is never a solution and FIFA expresses its deepest solidarity to all people affected by what is happening in Ukraine.”
“FIFA will continue its ongoing dialogue with the International Olympic Committee, UEFA and other sport organizations to determine any additional measures or sanctions, including a potential exclusion from competitions that shall be applied in the near future should the situation not be improving rapidly.”
“FIFA’s thoughts remain with everybody affected by this shocking and worrying situation.”
Ultimately, the Football Association declared England will not compete in any international game facing Russia at any level after the invasion of Ukraine.
The FA stated it “wholeheartedly condemns the atrocities being committed by the Russian leadership.”
English football’s governing body voiced the boycott of matches will be “for the foreseeable future.”
The Football Association of Wales criticized Russia’s seizure and stated it “stands in solidarity with Ukraine and feels an extreme amount of sadness and shock to the recent developments in the country.”
It appended that Wales will not “play any international fixtures against Russia for the foreseeable future, at any level of the game.”
