FIFA has ordered Russia to play matches without its flag and anthem at neutral venues, warning the country could be excluded from competitions if the situation in Ukraine does not improve.
FIFA, who condemned the “use of force by Russia in its invasion of Ukraine,” said that no international football matches will be played in Russia, and the country’s flag and anthem will be banned from any of their matches abroad.
Sunday’s announcements were called by FIFA as “immediate first measures.”
FIFA further said the national team would not compete as Russia but as the Football Union of Russia (RFU), and any “home” games would be held with no fans on “neutral territory.”
However, FIFA’s actions were swiftly criticised as insufficient by European nations.
“Today’s FIFA decision is totally unacceptable. We are not interested in participating in this game of appearances. Our stance remains intact: Polish National Team will not play with Russia, no matter what the name of the team is,” Polish Football Association chief Cezary Kulesza said.
“If FIFA’s Human Rights Policy is more than just words on paper, now is the time to put it into effect, excluding the Russian Football Association from qualifying for the Qatar World Cup in 2022,” he added.
The Czech Republic and Sweden have also said they would not play against the Russians.
England’s Football Association also said its national team would not play any matches against Russia “for the foreseeable future.”
Meanwhile, talks between Ukraine and Russia are due to begin on Monday morning near the Belarusian border, reports TASS news agency.
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy told British Prime Minister Boris Johnson that the next 24 hours are a “crucial period” for Ukraine.
Ukraine’s health ministry says 352 civilians, including 14 children, have been killed since the beginning of Russia’s invasion.
