The International Federation of Football Association (FIFA) announced on February 27 several measures against Russia, including the ban of the Russian flag and anthem, following its current military operations in Ukraine.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino and the six Confederation Presidents have unanimously decided to take immediate first measures, in line with recommendations from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and that will be applicable until further notice.
Among the first measures to be implemented are: no international competitions shall be played on Russian territory, all “home” matches shall be played on neutral territory and without spectators, and the member association representing Russia shall participate in the competition under the name “Football Union of Russia (RFU)” and not “Russia,” according to FIFA’s website.
No flag or anthem of Russia will be used in matches where teams from the Football Union of Russia participate in the upcoming 2022 FIFA Qatar World Cup, set to take place in March.
FIFA continues its ongoing dialogue with the IOC, UEFA, and other sports organizations to determine any additional measures or sanctions, including potential exclusion from competitions, that shall be applied in the near future, according to the same source.
Previously, FIFA announced on February 24 that it will monitor the situation and report updates regarding the upcoming 2022 World Cup in Qatar, slated for March 31.
In a press conference published on the FIFA website, Infantino stated that the use of force by Russia in Ukraine and any type of violence to resolve conflicts is never a solution, the FIFA president said, calling on all parties to restore peace through constructive dialogue while expressing solidarity to the people affected by this conflict.
Russia is supposed to host one or two World Cup 2022 qualifiers, scheduled for March 24 and 29, either the national teams of Poland, Sweden, or the Czech Republic, but the federations are now unable to travel because of the ongoing crisis.
add your comment
Terms of publication : Not to offend the writer, people, sacred things, or attack religions or the divine self, and refrain from racist incitement and insults.