FIFA have announced a number of sanctions on Russian Football following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Following a long period of tension, Russia invaded Ukraine on Thursday (24 February) which led to various political and sporting sanctions placed on Russia and various individuals in recent days.
One of the first footballing sanctions saw UEFA strip Russia of hosting rights to 2021-22 Champions League Final, with the finale instead moved to Paris whilst Russian clubs plus National Team have been instructed to play matches at neutral venues outside Russia until further notice.
FIFA have now consequently consulted with UEFA, FIFA Council and Presidents across the six footballing Confederations, with an unanimous decision to take further ‘immediate first measures’ agreed in line with recommendations from International Olympic Committee (IOC).
No international competitions will therefore be held within Russia with Russian home matches instead ‘played on neutral territory and without spectators’ in other countries.
Russia’s National Teams will be able to participate in football competitions on the condition of participating under the following name – Football Union of Russia (RFU), with no flag or anthem of Russia used in matches involving RFU plus spectators won’t be allowed to attend games.
Further dialogue will take place between FIFA, IOC, UEFA plus other sporting organisations in order ‘to determine any additional measures or sanctions,’ which will include exclusion from competitions if deemed appropriate in event of no deceleration in the current invasion.
FIFA also confirmed that their Bureau of FIFA Council will remain on standby in the event that further decisions are required.
In relation to recent insistence of Czech Republic, Poland and Sweden that they won’t compete against Russia in their UEFA Qualifying Play-Off path for 2022 FIFA World Cup, FIFA are currently engaging in conversations with all three football associations.
These talks will continue ‘in close contact’ until ‘appropriate and acceptable solutions’ are agreed between all parties.
FIFA also reiterated their condemnation of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine as they insist that violence is never a solution to conflict, as they express ‘deepest solidarity’ to everyone affected by current events in Ukraine
Discussions are also underway with Ukraine’s Football Association and members of their footballing community in order to provide support in escaping the country.
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