England will not play Russia in football matches at any level “for the foreseeable future”, the FA has confirmed.
The decision has been made “out of solidarity with Ukraine and to wholeheartedly condemn the atrocities being committed by the Russian leadership”, the FA
said in a statement.
It indicates England will refuse to play Russia in both the World Cup in Qatar and the Women’s Euros this summer, should the sides be drawn against each other.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Saturday it was “inconceivable” that normal sporting relations with Vladimir Putin’s Russia can continue following the invasion of Ukraine.
FIFA has also warned Russia they will be banned from all international football if the war does not stop.
Following a meeting of the FIFA Council on Sunday, it was confirmed:
A statement read: “FIFA will continue its ongoing dialogue with the IOC, UEFA and other sport organisations to determine any additional measures or sanctions, including a potential exclusion from competitions, that shall be applied in the near future should the situation not be improving rapidly.”
Poland, Sweden, Czech Rep refuse to play WC play-offs vs Russia
Poland, Sweden and Czech Republic have all refused to play their World Cup play-offs with Russia in opposition to the invasion of Ukraine.
Poland are due to play in Russia on March 25, with the winner facing Sweden or the Czech Republic four days later for a place in the finals in Qatar in November.
Sweden have announced they will not play Russia at any venue and have urged FIFA to cancel Russia’s upcoming game with Poland in March.
The Czech FA said on Sunday that they too would not fulfil any fixture with Russia, regardless of the venue, and called for an end to the war in Ukraine.
The Polish FA have also offered to host all Ukraine home matches while Ukraine are unable to play in their own country. Ukraine are due to play Scotland in their World Cup play-off at Hampden Park on March 24, and the winner will play either Wales or Austria in Cardiff or Vienna on March 29.
A Polish FA spokesman told Sky Sports News: “No more words, it’s time to act. Due to the escalation of the aggression of the Russian Federation towards Ukraine, the Polish national team does not intend to play the play-off match against Russia.
“This is the only right decision. We are in talks with the Swedish and Czech federations to bring forward a common position to FIFA.”
Poland’s top scorer Robert Lewandowski tweeted: “It is the right decision! I can’t imagine playing a match with the Russian National Team in a situation when armed aggression in Ukraine continues. Russian footballers and fans are not responsible for this, but we can’t pretend that nothing is happening.”
The Czech FA’s statement read: “The Czech FA executive committee, staff members and players of the national team agreed it’s not possible to play against the Russian national team in the current situation, not even on the neutral venue. We all want the war to end as soon as possible.”
FIFA said it “will remain in close contact to seek to find appropriate and acceptable solutions together”.
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