FIFA is refusing to ban Russia

FIFA has opted not to ban Russia's football team from international competition, but football's governing body has announced a number of restrictions.
The announcement follows a series of statements from national football associations, with the English FA announcing that England teams will not play matches against Russia indefinitely.
Sweden, Poland and the Czech Republic, who could face Russia in the World Cup qualifying play-offs, had earlier said they would not play against the Russians because of the invasion of Ukraine.
"No international competition will be played on the territory of Russia, where the "home" matches are played on neutral territory and without spectators," the statement said.
"The member association representing Russia will participate in each competition under the name "Football Union of Russia".
"First and foremost, FIFA wishes to reiterate its condemnation of Russia's use of force in its invasion of Ukraine."
"Violence is never a solution and FIFA expresses its deepest solidarity with all the people affected by what is happening in Ukraine."
"FIFA calls again for the urgent restoration of peace and for the start of constructive dialogue immediately."
"FIFA remains in close contact with the Football Association of Ukraine and members of the Ukrainian football community who have requested support to leave the country as long as the current conflict continues," the world football body said in a statement.
"We unanimously approved the decision that the Czech national team will in no case enter the competition against the selection of Russia in the qualifying round of the 2022 World Cup," said the statement of the Czech Federation.
Earlier, both the Polish and Swedish associations issued their own statements, while Poland captain Robert Lewandoski spoke directly on the matter.
"It's the right decision! I can't imagine playing a match with the Russian national team in a situation where armed aggression in Ukraine continues," the striker had said.
Poland and Russia were scheduled to meet in the World Cup qualifying play-off semi-finals in Moscow on March 24, with the winner playing either Sweden or the Czech Republic for a place at Qatar 2022.
The play-off final would also be played in Moscow if Russia were to be involved, but FIFA's statement means that, as things stand, the matches will be moved to a neutral venue. /Telegraph/
























































