Football players trapped in Ukraine plead for help after invasion

Brazilian football players from Dynamo Kiev and Shakhtar Donetsk have pleaded for help after being left stranded in Ukraine as Russia invades.

Russian president Vladimir Putin ordered the invasion of Ukraine this week with footage showing missile strikes devastating several cities, while troops have landed on the south coast.

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Airports have been a target from Russian strikes and flights are near non-existent out of Ukraine as millions of citizens attempt to flee the war enforced upon them by Putin.

Now, Brazilian players from Kiev and Donetsk - the only two clubs to have won the Ukrainian league in the last three decades - have pleaded for help.

“The situation is one of desperation,” defender Marlon said, according to a translation from Portuguese.

“I ask you to disclose this video so that it reaches the Government. Borders are closed, banks, there is no fuel, there will be a shortage of food, there is no money.

“We are gathered waiting for a plan to leave Ukraine.”

In the video, players are surrounded by their families in heartbreaking scenes.

Football world unites against Russian invasion

Before their Europa League game on Friday, Barcelona and Napoli players united together to condemn the war on Ukraine.

Players held up banners reading: "Stop war".

Dinamo Zagreb fans held up a sign reading: 'Support to the people of Ukraine', during their match.

Ukrainian football legend Andrei Shevchenko condemned the violence in a heartfelt post on social media.

The AC Milan legend pleaded for help to stop Russia's advances.

"In the early hours, a full-scale war was initiated by Russia," Shevchenko said.

"My people and my family are under attack.

"Ukraine and its population want peace and territorial integrity. Please I ask you to support our country and call the Russian government to stop their aggression and violation of international law.

"We only want peace. War is not the answer."

Russia are scheduled to host Czech Republic in a World Cup play-off semi-final on March 24, while Ukraine are due to travel to Scotland.

FIFA's president Gianni Infantino has addressed the travesty with Russia set to host Czech Republic for World Cup qualifiers on March 24.

"Violence is never a solution and we call on all parties to restore peace through constructive dialogue. FIFA continues to express solidarity to people affected," Infantino said.

"Football is not the priority but FIFA has a duty to look at the consequences to look at what is happening. We continue to monitor the situation. We will update on the World Cup qualifiers soon. We can take decisions immediately as soon as it's needed."

UEFA are also expected to take away the Champions League Final from host city St Petersburg.

F1 driver Sebastian Vettel was also quick to exclude himself from the F1 GP in Russia, which is also expected to be replaced.

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