FIFA has announced that Russia will be banned from playing matches at home, without spectators and without their national anthem or flag flying high.
The country will also have to play under the name ‘Football Union of Russia’ and not as ‘Russia’, the governing body said.
The decision comes on the back of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, led by President Vladimir Putin, which has brought widespread condemnation.
Across sport, many other organisations have enforced actions on Russia, with UEFA stripping the country of the Champions League final, and Formula 1 declaring there will be no grand prix in Sochi this season.
Poland, who were due to play Russia in a World Cup qualifying play-off in Moscow next month, had already refused to do so as had the Czech Republic and Sweden – one of which would play the winner.
The FIFA statement read: “First and foremost, FIFA would like to reiterate its condemnation of the use of force by Russia in its invasion of Ukraine. Violence is never a solution and FIFA expresses its deepest solidarity to all people affected by what is happening in Ukraine.
“FIFA calls again for the urgent restoration of peace and for constructive dialogue to commence immediately. FIFA remains in close contact with the Ukrainian Association of Football and members of the Ukrainian football community who have been requesting support to leave the country for as long as the current conflict persists.
“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,” the statement added.
