FIFA has ordered Russia to play matches at neutral venues without its flag and anthem, warning that the country could be left out of competitions if the situation in Ukraine does not improve.
FIFA bans Russian flag, anthem in World Cup qualifiers over Ukraine’s invasion (Reuters Photo)
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- FIFA bans Russian flag, anthem in World Cup qualifiers over Ukraine’s invasion
- FIFA’s immediate first measures were criticized by European countries as inadequate.
- FIFA condemns Russia’s use of force in its invasion of Ukraine
FIFA announced on Sunday that Russia will have to play World Cup qualifiers without its flag and anthem at neutral venues, warning that the country could be left out of competitions if the situation in Ukraine does not improve.
However, FIFA’s immediate first measures were criticized by European countries as inadequate. FIFA, which condemned Russia’s use of force in its invasion of Ukraine, said no international football matches would be played in Russia, and the country’s flag and anthem would be banned from any of their matches abroad.
The global governing body said that the national team would not compete as Russia but as the Football Federation of Russia (RFU), and that any ‘home’ game on neutral territory would be held without fans.
FIFA’s decision today is completely unacceptable. We have no interest in participating in this game of appearances. Our stand remains the same: the Polish national team will not play Russia, whatever the name of the team.
— Czarek_Kulesza (@Czarek_Kulesza) February 27, 2022
But the head of the Polish Football Federation, Cesari Kuleza, criticized FIFA’s stance and called for Russia to be expelled from the World Cup.
He wrote on Twitter: “Today’s decision by FIFA is completely unacceptable. We have no interest in participating in this game. Our stand remains the same: the Polish national team will NOT play Russia, whatever the team name is. “
“If FIFA’s human rights policy is more than just words on paper, now is the time to implement it, excluding the Russian Football Federation from qualifying for the Qatar World Cup in 2022,” he said in the statement. .
Poland has to play in Moscow on 24 March. If Russia prevails, they are due to host the winners of a match between the Czech Republic and Sweden on March 29.
The draw for the World Cup finals to be held in Qatar in November and December has been scheduled for April 1. The Czech Republic and Sweden have also said they will not play against the Russians.