The highest governing body of football, FIFA has imposed a series of sanctions in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The sanction unveils that there won’t be any international football matches played in Russia, and the country’s flag and anthem will be banned from any matches played abroad.
FIFA stated that the national team would compete as the Football Union of Russia rather than Russia and the games will be held on “neutral territory” without any fans.
In response to the invasion, several sports federations and clubs have cancelled competitions in Russia or refused to face Russian teams.
The Czech Republic, Poland, and Sweden have all announced that their national teams will not compete in World Cup qualifiers against Russia next month. The Football Association of England also announced that its national team would not play any matches against Russia “for the foreseeable future.”
FIFA said in a statement, “First and foremost, FIFA would like to reiterate its condemnation of the use of force by Russia in its invasion of Ukraine.”
Furthermore, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) urged international sports federations to relocate or cancel events scheduled in Russia or Belarus. When the invasion began, Russian troops entered Ukraine through Belarus.
FIFA said it would work with the three countries involved in the World Cup qualifiers – Sweden, Poland, and the Czech Republic – to find a solution. FIFA has already begun discussions with each of the aforementioned football associations. FIFA will continue to work closely to find appropriate and acceptable solutions.