Football Continues Crackdown On Russia
The Football Association has announced that the England national team will not play against Russia amid the latter’s military action in Ukraine.
The governing body of football in England gave an update after FIFA, the sport’s global governing body, said it would allow the member association representing Russia to continue to participate in international football as ‘Football Union of Russia (RFU)’ but not ‘Russia’.
FIFA also said no international competition can be played on the territory of Russia, with ‘home’ matches being played on neutral territory and without spectators. No flag or anthem of Russia will be used in matches where teams from the RFU participate.
The Russian national team is due to play FIFA World Cup play-off matches in the coming weeks, although the federations representing potential opponents Poland, Sweden and Czech Republic have suggested via official social media accounts that they will refuse to play.
In a statement, FIFA reiterated “its condemnation of the use of force by Russia in its invasion of Ukraine”, and added, “With regard to the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2022 qualifiers, FIFA has taken good note of the positions expressed via social media by the Polish Football Association, the Football Association of the Czech Republic and the Swedish Football Association and has already engaged in dialogue with all of these football associations. FIFA will remain in close contact to seek to find appropriate and acceptable solutions together.”
The FA said in a statement on Sunday, “Out of solidarity with Ukraine and to wholeheartedly condemn the atrocities being committed by the Russian leadership, The FA can confirm we won’t play against Russia in any international fixtures for the foreseeable future.”
Meanwhile, the Russian tycoon Roman Abramovich, the owner of Chelsea FC, has handed over the running of the Premier League club to its charitable foundation. The decision comes in the wake of financial sanctions imposed by the West against Russia and Russian nationals.
In a statement, Abramovich said, “I believe that currently they are in the best position to look after the interests of the club, players, staff, and fans.”
Following Abramovich’s public announcement, Chelsea FC put out its own 24-word statement on the escalating crisis. It reads, “The situation in Ukraine is horrific and devastating. Chelsea FC’s thoughts are with everyone in Ukraine. Everyone at the club is praying for peace.”
Elsewhere, Manchester United has ended its association with long-term partner and official carrier Aeroflot, withdrawing the Russian national airline’s sponsorship rights.
The two organisations first partnered in 2013, with Aeroflot providing organisational expertise and strategic advice to the club on travel arrangements for the team and its officials. Aeroflot branding is believed to have already been removed from Manchester United’s Old Trafford stadium.
In the aftermath of the beginning of military action, international federations and rights holders have taken action to distance themselves from Russia. This includes Formula 1 cancelling this year’s Russian Grand Prix, which was due to be held in Sochi in September. This year’s UEFA Champions League Final has also been switched from St Petersburg to Paris.
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