Russia set to be banned by FIFA following invasion of Ukraine

An official announcement is expected on Monday

FIFA are expected to suspend Russia from all footballing activity following the ongoing invasion of Ukraine.

Football’s governing body initially backed away from expelling Russia from the upcoming World Cup qualifying matches and future events, instead announcing that they would be required to complete their matches without their anthem, flag and as the Football Union of Russia in neutral territory. 

A number of nations insisted that they would refuse to play against Russia following the invasion of Ukraine – including England, Poland, the Czech Republic and Sweden – and several of them were quick to reiterate that, regardless of the name Russia were competing under, they would not compete against them in any format.

And following intense backlash from several nations and organisations around the world, the governing body are set to make the decision to ban Russia from competing in the sport altogether.

NEW | Understand that FIFA is in advanced talks over the full suspension of Russia until further notice. 
They are working closely with UEFA and an announcement is expected later today.

— Dan Roan (@danroan) February 28, 2022

It comes after the International Olympic Committee asked all sports to prevent athletes or officials from Russia and Belarus participating in any organised international competitions.

The IOC stated that wherever this was not possible, potentially due to organisational or legal reasons, such athletes should be classed as neutrals and not compete under the name Russia or Belarus.

Additionally, the IOC withdrew the Olympic order from Vladimir Putin “considering the extremely grave violation of the Olympic Truce and other violations of the Olympic Charter by the Russian government in the past”.

Russia were set to face Poland then either the Czech Republic or Sweden if they had won in the upcoming World Cup 2022 play-offs, which are scheduled to be played in March.

Related links:

• Roman Abramovich is assisting with Ukraine-Russia talks in Belarus
• FIFA announce Russia will play as RFU in World Cup qualifying
• English FA announce they won’t play against Russia for ‘foreseeable future’