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Russia Told Not To Compete Under National Flag
Fifa has told Russia to compete under the name Football Union of Russia without their flag and anthem following the invasion of Ukraine.
They have also been told to play their upcoming games in neutral territory.
Several nations have announced they will refuse to play Russia, including England and Wales, as well as Poland, the Czech Republic and Sweden.
The World Cup play-offs, scheduled for March, would see Russia face Poland and then either Sweden or Czech Republic if they win.
Russia president Vladimir Putin launched a military invasion of neighbouring Ukraine on Thursday.
Fifa have been heavily criticised for allowing Russia to compete, with both the Poland, Sweden and Czech Republic football associations adamant that they will not fulfil the fixtures.
“We are not interested in participating in this game of appearances. Our stance remains intact: Polish National Team will not play with Russia, no matter what the name of the team is,” said Polish football association president Cezary Kulesza.
Swedish FA president Karl-Erik Nilsson told Fotbollskanalen they were “not satisfied” with Fifa’s decision.
“Our opinion is not different today and the situation has not changed in Ukraine just because we have received the message from Fifa, so we have no other opinion today,” he said.
“We also want to talk to Poland and the Czech Republic so that we can give back to Fifa what we think, but we had expected a sharper stance from Fifa. We would have done so.”
Fifa said talks will take place with other sporting organisations over whether Russia should be expelled from competitions.
“Fifa would like to reiterate its condemnation of the use of force by Russia in its invasion of Ukraine,” read a statement from world football’s governing body on Sunday.
“Violence is never a solution and Fifa expresses its deepest solidarity to all people affected by what is happening in Ukraine.
“Fifa will continue its ongoing dialogue with the International Olympic Committee, Uefa and other sport organisations to determine any additional measures or sanctions, including potential exclusion from competitions, that shall be applied in the near future should the situation not be improving rapidly.
“Fifa’s thoughts remain with everybody affected by this shocking and worrying situation.”
/Stewart Sports news editor
