'Cowardice': Sport world slams FIFA over 'awful' Russia decision
The football world has let rip at FIFA after their decision not to ban Russia from World Cup qualifiers after England joined the boycott in refusing to play the nation.
Over the weekend, the football world united in condemning Russia's invasion of Ukraine with heartbreaking scenes unfolding with Ukrainian stars Oleksandr Zinchenko and Vitaliy Mykolenko before a Premier League match.
SAD: Ukrainian football stars break down on field in heartbreaking moment
'WE MISS YOU': Tennis star's message to parents after fleeing Ukraine
'NO WAR PLEASE': Russian tennis stars unite against Putin's invasion
A number of nations, including Poland, Sweden, England and Czech Republic have hit out at FIFA over their stance to allow Russia to play football during President Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine.
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.
The global governing body 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".
The stance didn't sit well within the football community.
Poland were set to face Russia in World Cup qualifiers in March.
However, Poland ruled out playing Russia regardless of the consequences.
FIFA's move to allow the game to ahead - albeit under the RFU banner - was deemed "totally unacceptable" by Poland's football boss.
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.
— Cezary Kulesza (@Czarek_Kulesza) February 27, 2022
Football fans labelled the 'IOC' style stance, considering the sanctions being handed down to the nation during the invasion of Ukraine, as 'awful'.
Fifa's cowardice over Russia isn't even original. It's merely borrowing the pathetic stance the IOC have taken towards them over state-doping. It isn't a punishment, just a total + utter abrogation of their responsibility as the governing body of football. They should be ashamed. https://t.co/Ye83Tu8lii
— Oliver Holt (@OllieHolt22) February 27, 2022
FIFA has blood on its hands. Infantino should stand up to Putin not appease him. Utterly spineless from FIFA to let Russia continue competing in World Cup qualifying just with a different name. While brave Ukrainians die. #UkraineInvasion 🇺🇦
— Henry Winter (@henrywinter) February 27, 2022
With Poland, Sweden & Czech Republic refusing to play Russia, @FIFAcom has to support them. It’s hard to envisage a World Cup taking place if Russia are given a free pass to the finals. How many teams will refuse to play them or pull out? FIFA where are you?
— Gary Lineker 💙 (@GaryLineker) February 27, 2022
FIFA condemns “ the use of force by Russia in its invasion of Ukraine.” Not the actual invasion and occupation. Just that distasteful violence. Weasel words
— Barney Ronay (@barneyronay) February 27, 2022
Russia's match next month is against Poland, which is on military high-alert and is handling a refugee crisis due entirely to Russia invading Poland's neighbor. Shouldn't be too hard for @FIFAcom to deem that by itself enough for a forfeit, but FIFA gonna FIFA. https://t.co/EtapNi3gNv
— Max Kennerly (@MaxKennerly) February 27, 2022
FIFA have taken so long to get to a decision, Poland, Sweden, and Czechs who could face Russia in World Cup playoffs have already announced they will refuse to play. FIFA decision below is not only late, it is weak, and craven https://t.co/YgSgJqtLPl
— roger bennett (@rogbennett) February 27, 2022
England join Russia football boycott
FIFA said it would try to find a solution with the three countries involved in the World Cup qualifiers.
"(FIFA) 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 statement said.
England's Football Association also said its national team would not play any matches against Russia "for the foreseeable future".
"Out of solidarity with the Ukraine and to wholeheartedly condemn the atrocities being committed by the Russian leadership, The FA can confirm that we won’t play against Russia in any international fixtures for the foreseeable future. This includes any potential match at any level of senior, age group or para football," a spokesman said.
However, FIFA's statement did offer the prospect of further sanctions.
"FIFA will continue its ongoing dialogue with the IOC, UEFA and other sport organisations to determine any additional measures or sanctions, including a potential exclusion from competitions, that shall be applied in the near future should the situation not be improving rapidly," the statement said.
The International Olympic Committee urged international sports federations on Friday to either move or cancel events planned in Russia or Belarus.
Russian troops entered Ukraine through Belarus when the invasion began on Thursday.
with Reuters
Click here to sign up to our newsletter for all the latest and breaking stories from Australia and around the world.