By Derrick Bangura.
FIFA has stated that no international football matches will be held in Russia, and that the country’s flag and anthem will be barred from being used in international matches. Following the invasion of Ukraine, FIFA’s governing body said this.
It stated that Russia’s national teams would no longer play as the Football Union of Russia (RFU), and that its games would be staged without fans and on “neutral territory.”
The ban came after Sweden, Poland, and the Czech Republic refused to play Russia in the 2022 World Cup playoffs next month amid the invasion of Ukraine.
The decision by the three countries could disrupt the UEFA World Cup qualifiers, and leave FIFA president Gianni Infantino with the responsibility to find a solution within the next month.
Sweden and Poland made the decision on Saturday, and the Czech Republic followed Sunday.