Following the conflict in Ukraine, many were wondering whether FIFA would ban Russia from World Cup qualifying. The move, while largely unwelcome, would entail the team playing in neutral countries, playing without their fans, and forfeiting their place in a four-team group. If this is indeed the case, then what is the likely reaction from the international soccer community? Read on to learn what to expect.

FIFA bans Russia from World Cup Qualifying

Following the recent incident with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, soccer officials in Poland and Sweden have called for an outright ban on Russia from participating in the World Cup. Czech Republic officials faced the prospect of facing Russia in the World Cup playoff in March. France, England and the United States have also said they will not play Russia. However, all of these countries did not agree to the ban. In the end, the ban on Russia from participating in World Cup qualifying has been lifted.

After the ban was imposed, the Russian Football Union (RFU) announced that it would appeal the decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. The RFU is claiming that Fifa and Uefa did not follow the correct legal procedures in banning Russia from the World Cup Qualifying playoffs. They believe the ban was arbitrary and unfair. Further, they argue that the ban is unconstitutional because Russia failed to comply with its obligations regarding international sports.

FIFA’s ban has been backed by the International Olympic Committee, an influential global organization that requested that Russia be banned from the World Cup. Despite the pressure of international sports organisations, the FIFA Bureau felt it had the authority to enforce the ban legally. As such, Russia has the right to appeal the ban to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, an independent body that has overturned major sporting bans before.

Russia must play in neutral countries without supporters

A new round of boycotts and sanctions against Russia followed the announcement that Formula 1 had pulled out of the World Cup and the world’s leading golfers bailed on a Saudi Arabia-backed startup tour. Now, FIFA has made a decision that seems harsh but is hardly surprising. Soccer has spent decades yelling, “that’s not our problem!”

In addition, the FIFA Bureau recently cut ties with Gazprom, a major sponsor of soccer. The deal is worth about $44.7 million per year. It also banned Russia’s soccer team Spartak Moskva from the UEFA Europa League. The ban will also extend to the upcoming women’s European Championship. However, it’s unclear whether FIFA will stick with its decision or resort to other half-measures.

In response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, FIFA took interim measures. The team will have to play without its flag or national anthem. Poland, Sweden, and Czech Republic have refused to play against Russia during play-offs. The decision has fueled a backlash against Russia. The boycott of Russia’s football team will likely continue. In the meantime, the country will have to play in neutral countries under the name of the Football Union of Russia.

Russia must forfeit place in four-team group

Russian football clubs will no longer be able to participate in the World Cup if FIFA sanctions the nation. The ban was announced on Sunday, and more member associations have backed it. In addition to Poland, Sweden and the Czech Republic, over a dozen other countries have refused to play Russia in World Cup qualifying. FIFA has no choice but to ban Russia from the tournament, and the sanctions are aimed at sending a clear message.

While the ban on Russia’s soccer teams is unfortunate, it’s hardly surprising. The nation has seen its soccer teams suffer due to President Putin’s aggression in Ukraine. Even the world’s best golfers have shunned a Saudi-backed startup tour to avoid the country. Putin is a fan of soccer, and the punishment is severe enough for his actions. But the Western governments can take action and apply pressure to FIFA and the IOC.

FIFA will ban Russia from World Cup qualification because the country has violated the Olympic Charter and the UEFA regulations. However, it’s unclear whether the ban will stand in court. It’s also important to remember that Russia’s punishments have been watered down in the past due to Russian appeals to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. So, in the meantime, it’s a good idea for the Russian national team to protest the decision.

Source : kora online

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