FIFA is taking tough football measures against Russia in response to the invasion of Ukraine.
As reported by "AFP", the World Federation has decided to ban the national anthem and the flag of Russia from its international matches.
A development that obviously affects Russia's participation in the 2022 World Cup (it plays a draw with Poland). It is recalled that on Friday (25/2) UEFA announced the change of headquarters of this year's Champions League final, which will be held in Paris and at the "Stade de France" instead of St. Petersburg, which was originally planned.
FIFA announcement:
"There will be no international event on Russian soil, with the home games being played in neutral venues, without the presence of spectators. "The teams representing Russia will play in any event under the name 'Russian Football Union' and not 'Russia'. The country's flag and anthem will not be used in matches involving the 'Russian Football Union'."
FIFA also said the RFU team can only play on neutral territory and without spectators.
The president of the Polish football association, Cezary Kulesza, reacted angrily to FIFA's decision, reiterating the association's decision to refuse to play Russia in their World Cup qualification playoff semifinal, which is scheduled for March 24.
"Today's FIFA decision is unacceptable to us," Kulesza said. "In the situation of the war in Ukraine, we are not interested in the game of appearances.
"Our position remains the same: the Polish national team WILL NOT PLAY against Russia in the playoff match, regardless of the name of the Russian team."
