Every eyeball in the world is currently keenly stuck on the ongoing European dispute. Notably, the effects of the same are being seen all around the globe now and even in the sports world.
After initially announcing that Russia will be allowed to play in international competitions following a few restrictions, FIFA has now released a new statement, banning them from all international competitions.
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FIFA change their ruling just 24 hours after their initial statement
FIFA and UEFA released a joint statement where they announced that all Russian teams, both the international team and clubs, won’t be allowed to compete in any FIFA or UEFA competitions. The decision was adopted by the highest decision-making bodies of the two organizations and will be upheld for the foreseeable future.
“FIFA and UEFA have today decided together that all Russian teams, whether national representative teams or club teams, shall be suspended from participation in both FIFA and UEFA competitions until further notice,” the statement said.
The effects of the ban on Russian football teams
The statement went on to say that presidents of both organizations hope that the situation de-escalates over time. Moreover, they showed their support for those that have fallen victim to the ongoing crisis and said that football should be a symbol of unity and peace among all.
“Football is fully united here and in full solidarity with all the people affected in Ukraine. Both Presidents hope that the situation in Ukraine will improve significantly and rapidly so that football can again be a vector for unity and peace amongst people,” they added.
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Breaking News: FIFA will ban Russia and its teams, ejecting the country from qualifying for the 2022 World Cup only weeks before it was to play for one of Europe’s final places in the tournament. UEFA will join FIFA in issuing and honoring the ban. https://t.co/TVD3uh1oUY pic.twitter.com/cqv9ZvVv7h
— The New York Times (@nytimes) February 28, 2022
This ruling will affect Russia’s chances of making the World Cup in Qatar in 2022, as they were scheduled to face Poland for their play-off clash. As the situation stands, Poland will receive a bye to the next round. Even the Russian club teams who are presently in UEFA competitions will have to bow out, and their opponents will move on to the next rounds.
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What are your thoughts on the decision of FIFA and UEFA?
