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Written by

Hripsime Hayrapetyan

28-02-2022 | 13:45 Football
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National football teams that refuse to play against Russia amid Ukraine situation

The latest situation regarding Ukraine has had a massive impact on the attitude of the world towards Russia, and sports is not an exception. FIFA has already revealed its first sanctions package ahead of the next month's UEFA play-off qualifiers for the 2022 Qatar World Cup. Soccer's international governing body has decided that.
  • No international games will be played in the territory of Russia, with the "home" matches now taking place in a neutral venue with no spectators.
  • Russia's teams will compete under the name of “Football Union of Russia (RFU)”.
  • No national flag or anthem will be allowed in the matches where the Football Union of Russia teams take part.
FIFA took these measures as the first reaction to Russia's actions. While the country remained on the list of the participants in the World Cup play-off qualifiers (though without its actual name), a number of national teams have now refused to play against them.

Which countries refused to play against Russia national team amid Ukraine situation?

1. Poland

On February 27, Polish Football Association declared that it "doesn't see the possibility of competing with the Russian representation" in the World Cup play-offs regardless of the team name. Bayern Munich and Poland star Robert Lewandowski also had his say on Twitter.

2. Sweden

The second side to reveal their reluctance of playing against Russia were Sweden.

3. The Czech Republic

The Czech Republic later joined Poland and Sweden, with the country's FA declaring the national team will not play Russia if meeting them in the World Cup play-offs.

4. Norway

Norway's national team were the next on the list to refuse to have any matches against Russia.

5. England

The statement from FA said that England's national team will not play versus Russia in "any international fixtures for the foreseeable future".

6. Albania

Albania are set to face Russia in the group stage of the UEFA Nations League. However, the national team have now decided not to take part in any sport games with the Russian Federation "until the end of Ukraine’s occupation", as Foreign Minister Olta Xhacka claims.

7. Wales

Wales are now boycotting the football matches against the Russian national team as they refuse to play any international games "for the foreseeable future".

8. Switzerland

Switzerland have announced they will not face Russia this summer in the Women's Euros "until further notice". The country has already qualified for the men's World Cup in Qatar 2022 and is supporting the idea of kicking Russia out of the competition.

9. Ireland

The FA of Ireland has now announced that their national side supports Ukraine and will not play any match versus Russia "until further notice". Join us on Telegram!/ Follow us on Twitter!
 

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