War in Ukraine: Russia excluded from the next World Cup


Russia will not participate in the next World Cup in Qatar. While it was to face Poland on March 24 in Moscow in a qualifying play-off match for the 2022 World Cup, the Russian selection was excluded on Monday by Fifa and UEFA due to the war waged by Russia in Ukraine since last Thursday.

Poland, but also Sweden and the Czech Republic, potential opponents of the Russians in the play-off final, were heard. On several occasions, they had expressed their refusal to face Russia in the play-offs, even on neutral ground and under the name of the “Russian Football Federation” (RFU).

“We are not interested in participating in this match of appearances. The Polish national team will not play against Russia, regardless of the name of the team”, had posted on Twitter the president of the Polish Federation Cezary Kulesza in reaction to the first announcements from Fifa.

Faced with these refusals, the international body had indicated that it was in “advanced discussions” and working with UEFA to record the exclusion of Russia from the 2022 World Cup (November 21-December 18). Fifa, which takes care of the final phase, and UEFA, which manages the qualifying play-offs, finally agreed after an exceptional meeting.

“Football here is totally united and in full support of everyone affected in Ukraine. The two presidents hope that the situation in Ukraine will improve significantly and quickly so that football can once again be a vector of unity and peace between peoples,” FIFA and UEFA said in a joint statement.

With this decision, Russia, which had organized the 2018 World Cup with the coronation of the France team, finds itself more and more isolated on the sporting level. Especially since Russian clubs and selections have been suspended “until further notice” from all international competitions.

Spartak Moscow, the last Russian club involved in the European Cup, was thus excluded from the Europa League, when it should face RB Leipzig in 8and finals (March 10 and 17). For its part, the women’s selection will not be able to participate in the Euro organized in England in July. UEFA has also severed “with immediate effect” its partnership with the Russian giant Gazprom, one of its main sponsors since 2012 and whose contract was estimated at 40 million euros per year according to specialized media.





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