'Right call' - FIFA and UEFA commended for banning Russian clubs and national teams from football
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ByEurosport
Updated 28/02/2022 at 20:00 GMT
FIFA and UEFA have acted. Russia will not be allowed to play at the men's World Cup in Qatar or the women's Euro 2022 after being banned from international competition. The decision came after Russia president Vladimir Putin launched an invasion of Ukraine. And the world of sport has reacted.
FIFA and UEFA logos displayed on phone screens and Russian flag displayed on a phone screen are seen in this multiple exposure illustration photo taken in Krakow, Poland on February 28, 2022
Image credit: Getty Images
FIFA and UEFA have banned Russia from competing in international competition, meaning they will not be able to compete at either the men's World Cup in Qatar or the women's Euro 2022 in England.
"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," read the joint statement.
The decision provoked quite the reaction, with Gary Lineker calling it the “right call”.
Lineker had previously lamented FIFA’s perceived lack of action.
The decision came after pressure mounted on the governing bodies to act, and the delay in announcing the decision drew some criticism.
FIFPRO had previously called for the suspension of the Russian Football Federation.
It was reported that a recommendation from the International Olympic Committee had paved the way for FIFA and UEFA to act.
The decision meant that Spartak Moscow were barred from contesting their Europa League last-16 encounter with RB Leipzig, who would now progress to the quarter-final stage.
Meanwhile, the decision to remove an avenue of soft power was widely commended.
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