FIFA and UEFA have banned all Russian teams from their tournaments until further notice. The two organizations issued a joint statement on Monday (28.2).
"After the initial decisions approved by the FIFA Council and UEFA Executive Committee, which are expected to apply additional measures, FIFA and UEFA have today decided together that all Russian teams, whether national teams or club teams, will be suspended from FIFA and UEFA tournaments until further notice," the statement said. "These decisions have been taken by the FIFA Council Office and UEFA Executive Committee, which are the highest decision-making bodies of both organizations on such urgent issues.
Football is in complete solidarity here and in full solidarity with all those affected in Ukraine. Both Chairmen hope that the situation in Ukraine will improve significantly and quickly so that football can once again become an intermediary for solidarity and peace among all people".
FIFA has previously had proactive discussions on this issue after Poland, Sweden and the Czech Republic refused to play Russia in the semi-finals and potentially the play-off final of the 2022 World Cup qualifiers in Moscow on March 24 and 29.
On Sunday (February 27), FIFA only issued a statement saying that Russian teams must compete at neutral locations in the context of Russia's military activities in Ukraine. Along with that, they have to play under the name of the 'Russian Football Federation', without spectators and without the use of national flags or national anthems.
But it was not long before, on Monday, FIFA and UEFA went beyond those measures and have now completely eliminated Russia and their club teams from all tournaments until further notice. This seems to be certain to close the door for Russian football to qualify for the 2022 World Cup. Meanwhile, Spartak Moscow will be eliminated from the 1/8 round of the Europa League.
The ban also means that, as things continue, the Russian women's national team will be eliminated from EURO 2022.
Unlike the men's team, who still have a difficult journey ahead when they need to defeat Poland, then Sweden or the Czech Republic to reach the World Cup, the Russian women's team is eligible to participate in the tournament in England, a tournament where they are expected to play their opening match against Switzerland in Group C on July 9.
Their group also includes the Netherlands and Sweden. Following Sweden, the Dutch Football Federation also appeared in the list of countries that have declared that no of their teams will play Russia or Belarus until further notice.
