Poland has previously said it will not play a World Cup qualifier against Russia due to its aggression in Ukraine. The match was scheduled to be held on March 24.
However, FIFA, the world’s governing body for football, has said that Putin’s country will not be able to play in any international football match under the name “Russia”. They have to play in the name of ‘Football Union of Russia’. No international football match will be held in the host country of 2018 World Cup. Russia’s national flag and national anthem will be banned from any football match on foreign soil. FIFA, however, said that Russia would be banned from international football if the situation in Ukraine deteriorated.
This is the first time since the start of the campaign in Ukraine that FIFA has announced any action against Russia. The World Football Organization calls it an ‘immediate measure’.
Thus, Russia entered Ukraine with military force
Thus, Russia entered Ukraine with military forcePhoto: Reuters
The Polish Football Association, however, called FIFA’s “immediate action” inadequate. FIFA has also been sharply criticized for not taking tougher action. They also demanded that Russia be expelled from the upcoming World Cup in Qatar.
FIFA also condemned Russia’s use of military force in Ukraine. They further said that the home matches of ‘Football Union of Russia’ will be held in a neutral ground. No Russian supporter will be able to attend those matches.
Cesare Kulesja, head of the Poland Football Association, criticized FIFA on Twitter, saying: “It is difficult for FIFA to accept Sunday’s decision. None of us want to play with Russia. Our position is clear. The Polish football team will not play against Russia in any way, no matter what the name.
Russia should play in the name of ‘Football Union of Russia’
Russia should play in the name of ‘Football Union of Russia’File picture
Cesare Kulesja also questioned whether FIFA’s human rights policy was “mere word of mouth” or whether it was “on paper”. Russia should be expelled from the World Cup qualifiers in Qatar.
The Czech Republic and Sweden are in the same group as Poland and Russia in the World Cup qualifiers. The two countries have also stated that they will not play any World Cup qualifier against Russia.
FIFA said it would sit down with the three countries and try to find a solution. “FIFA has already begun talks with the three football associations. FIFA is working to find an effective and mutually acceptable solution. ”
FIFA will be even tougher if Russia’s aggression in Ukraine does not stop
FIFA will be even tougher if Russia’s aggression in Ukraine does not stopPhoto: Reuters
The English Football Association has also stated that the England national football team will not play any international matches with Russia for the time being after the invasion of Ukraine. The English Football Association has confirmed that there is no question of a match with Russia at the moment. It can be any level of national team, club, age.
Last Friday, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) called on the International Sports Federations to refrain from participating in all events involving Russia and Belarus. Last Thursday, Russian forces launched a military offensive in Ukraine using Belarusian territory. This is the largest military aggression in any European country since World War II.