Fifa and Uefa have both suspended Russian football teams from international participation until further notice.
The football’s world and European governing bodies took this unprecedented decision after days of protest from several European corners following the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Russia has been barred from playing qualifying playoff rounds for the World Cup this winter, and its remaining club teams can no longer play in the Europa League.
The 2018 World Cup hosts will be unable to face Poland in a World Cup play-off match next month, and its women’s squad will be unable to compete in this summer’s European Championship in England due to the suspension.
FIFA/UEFA suspend Russian clubs and national teams from all competitions
▶️ https://t.co/Q2htzW3W9z pic.twitter.com/LFo1bUtqmm
— FIFA Media (@fifamedia) February 28, 2022
These decisions were adopted today by the Bureau of the FIFA Council and the Executive Committee of UEFA, respectively the highest decision-making bodies of both institutions on such urgent matters.
“Football is fully united here and in full solidarity with all the people affected in Ukraine. Both Presidents hope that the situation in Ukraine will improve significantly and rapidly so that football can again be a vector for unity and peace amongst people.” The joint statement reads.
Uefa also said that it has terminated a lucrative sponsorship agreement with Gazprom, which had been in place for many years. The Gazprom Arena in St. Petersburg was scheduled to host the Champions League final this year as part of the Russian gas company’s sponsorship of the sport for the past decade.
A nmber of teams including England, Poland and Sweden had announced that they won’t play against Russia in the wake of their attack on Ukraine.