Ex-Genoa coach Andriy Shevchenko calls for peace after Russia staged an invasion of Ukraine, while Poland, the Czech Republic and Sweden released a joint statement refusing to play World Cup play-offs in Moscow.
There are fears Russia could completely annex Ukraine within days, as tanks are already reported to be within 25 miles of the capital Kiev.
There are many Ukrainians connected to Italian football, probably none more famous than former Milan striker Shevchenko, who until last month was the coach of Serie A side Genoa.
“In the early hours a full scale war was initiated by Russia. My people and my family are under attack,” he wrote on social media.
“Ukraine and it’s 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.”
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Meanwhile, the Polish, Swedish and Czech federations released an unprecedented joint statement announcing they will not play against Russia in Moscow for the 2022 World Cup play-offs.
Poland are due to face Russia in Moscow next month, with the winners going on to face either Sweden or the Czech Republic.
UEFA are already considering whether to strip Saint-Petersburg of the Champions League Final in May, with London a probable alternative venue.
Former Roma coach Paulo Fonseca and current manager of Ukrainian side Shakhtar Donetsk are still in Kiev.
OŚWIADCZENIE FEDERACJI PIŁKARSKICH POLSKI, SZWECJI I CZECH. Więcej… https://t.co/fkNXQJIseH pic.twitter.com/Tc9o5POp02
— PZPN (@pzpn_pl) February 24, 2022
FIFA should go one step further and not allow Russia to go to the WC. We should all be able to live in peace and respect one another.
Well they won’t be going to the world Cup if they are excluded from the play offs. Your hopes might well materialise Tonino.
The horse has bolted of course, but everyone knew that the 2018 WC should never have been held in Russia, but the spineless FIFA still went ahead with it. The UCL final has just been taken away from Russia and FIFA and UEFA should go further by banning Russia indefinitely from all future world cups and club European competition.
What putin is doing has nothing to do with russia. Not playing in russia is fair. Not having players of russia who have nothing to do with the situation not play is too much.
Ronald Reagan was right in his speech of August 11, 1984: “My fellow Americans, I’m pleased to tell you today that I’ve signed legislation that will outlaw Russia forever.”