FIFA have finally issued a statement on the boycott of various federations against Russia after the invasion of Ukraine, but it will not solve any of the problems and has already been called ‘unacceptable.’
The federations of Poland, Sweden and the Czech Republic – and now also England – have announced they will not play against Russia in any competition or in any venue until the attack on Ukraine has concluded.
These three nations were meant to face Russia in the World Cup play-offs in Moscow next month.
FIFA released a statement this evening, but it does absolutely nothing to resolve the situation.
“To address football-related matters and in coordination with UEFA, the Bureau of the FIFA Council – involving the FIFA President and the six Confederation Presidents – has unanimously decided to take immediate first measures, in line with recommendations from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and that will be applicable until further notice:
- No international competition shall be played on the territory of Russia, with “home” matches being played on neutral territory and without spectators
- The member association representing Russia shall participate in any competition under the name “Football Union of Russia (RFU)” and not “Russia”
- No flag or anthem of Russia will be used in matches where teams from the Football Union of Russia participate 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.
“With regard to the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2022 qualifiers, FIFA has taken good note of the positions expressed via social media by the Polish Football Association, the Football Association of the Czech Republic and the Swedish Football Association and 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. FIFA’s thoughts remain with everybody affected by this shocking and worrying situation.”
This is a version of the approach taken by the Olympics when Russia were meant to be banned due to endemic doping violations, when instead their athletes were able to compete under a different flag.
The Polish Federation have already issued their swift and terse response, calling FIFA’s decision “unacceptable to us.
“In the situation of the war in Ukraine, we are not interested in the game of appearances. The Polish national team will not play against Russia in the play-off match, regardless of the name of the Russian team.”
The risk now is that FIFA will refuse to exclude Russia, so punish Sweden, Poland and the Czech Republic for boycotting the match, thereby creating a PR disaster for a football authority that is already under the spotlight.
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
Infantino and the folks at FIFA are more interested in profits than humanity. They’ve shown it through their actions time and time again, so expecting them to take an actual stand feels like a waste of time.. Much respect to Poland, Sweden, and the Czech Republic.
Infantino is a personal friend of Putin, so hardly surprising.
Yeah those suckers showing their face once again. FIFA is the worst, really.
Shame on you #FIFA! We all know what corrupt organisation you are running and every single one of you can be bought with rubels and rial but this is blood money you gutless human beings!
I think the big nations need to step up and threaten to boycott the World Cup. If Italy, Spain, Germany, France, etc threatened to boycott, FIFA would do an about face because they know if they lose the big boys, no one is going to watch.
Gianlugi has a great point. England have already stated they won’t play Russia, if Italy, Spain, Germany, France, Belgium, Brazil, Argentina etc follow suit with a further threat of no participation at Qatar World Cup, then they wouldn’t have a world Cup cos its meaningless without these nations. Plus it would ruin the Qatar world Cup which would also please most purists.
Time for every football federation to step up and put pressure!
They should kick out russia then re-do the playoff matchups
They talked about a culture change when Blatter left. Instead, it’s the same corrupt organisation. FIFA are a joke no one finds funny.
Italy boycott the WC ? We are not even qualified yet😂
FIFA are cowards just like IOC. Let’s see if F1 and the FIA make a permanent stand against Russia. I think all of EUFA should boycott Qatar. Just play their regular league games. Make a stand against all of this.
It was already pathetic that they made exceptions for Russian teams playing against against any Ukraine teams.
Gravina needs to make a stand and lead the way. Act like a man and stand up for principles and morals. Refuse to acknowledge what a farce this world cup will be.
Maybe the the players themselves will have to stand up to all the behind the back deals.
Det er vanskelig å tro at FIFA er annerledes enn andre idrettsforbund, for eksempel vintersport. Hele verden er rasende over den forferdelige krigen som ble utløst i 2022, men ikke denne respektløse organisasjonen. Dette er et spytt i ansiktet på hele verden. Skam deg, Infantino & Co.
Wow, fans will destroy that mafia organizations. UEFA and FIFA are forgetting that the customer is always right. As to Ukraine – stay strong and stand your ground! The world is with you!
What you called humanity, when USA attack Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, etc… No one dare to say Boycott… Is just your game (for US Allies), no the World…
Oh, so apparently FIFA likes war?
Well, then, let them have it.
Time for UEFA to withdraw from FIFA and expel Russia!
Let us see how long it is, before Argentina and Brasil apply to join UEFA, and your FIFA Dictator Cup can be the joke of the millennia (since giving it to Qatar was the joke of the century!).
why didn’t anyone call for US to be banned from the World Cup when they invaded, ruined homes and families and disregarded humanity?
Every comment stated is absolutely 100% correct. Well done to all for saying it. Our world has no space for anybody that wants to invade. FIFA will risk not to have a WC if they do not act properly. Proud of Poland, Sweden, Czech and England to state this well before anything is played. Sorry Infantino, you are wrong and the other nations are right so give an example or no WC.
@F***US wtf are you talking about? Go back to russia…