Russia Banned From 2022 World Cup After Ukraine Invasion

Russia Banned From 2022 World Cup After Ukraine Invasion

FIFA has made the decision to suspend Russia’s soccer teams from participating in all upcoming competitions following the country’s invasion of Ukraine. With this being said, the country is unlikely to see the 2022 World Cup. 

FIFA, the soccer organization that oversees international sporting conflicts, explained on Monday that the country cannot participate in international competitions. 

Russia Banned From 2022 World Cup After Ukraine Invasion
Michael Derrer Fuchs / Shutterstock.com

“Football is fully united here and in full solidarity with all the people affected in Ukraine,” they wrote in a statement. “Both presidents hope that the situation in Ukraine will improve significantly and rapidly so that football can again be a vector for unity and peace amongst people.”

Alongside FIFA, the ​​European football confederation UEFA which handles European-specific conflicts has also suspended Russia from participating in sporting events. The Russian men’s national team was expected to make an appearance on March 24 in a UEFA World Cup qualifying match, but all other participating countries have refused to go up against the country given the status of Ukraine. Given this fact, this practically ensures that Russia will not be able to participate in the 2022 World Cup.

FIFA and the UEFA have reserved the right to withhold the country’s ability to participate in competitions “until further notice.”

Multiple soccer organizations stand with Ukraine and suspend Russia from participating in games

In addition, the International Olympic Committee encouraged other sporting events to remove Russia from engaging in matches in attempts, “to protect the integrity of global sports competitions and for the safety of all the participants.”

Following the uproar of disdain for the Ukrainian war, the US Soccer Federation also released a statement in condemnation. 

The United States-based soccer organization announced that they will not be, “taking the same field as Russia, no matter the level of competition or circumstance, until freedom and peace have been restored.”

RELATED: NASCAR Legend Dale Earnhardt Jr. is ‘Proud’ to Candidly Discuss Health Concerns After Experiencing 20-25 Concussions

Russia Banned From 2022 World Cup After Ukraine Invasion
ph.FAB / Shutterstock.com

However, the Russian Football Union released a statement in response to those abstaining from hosting the country. More specifically, they argued that FIFA and the UEFA are not abiding by international sporting laws. 

“This decision is contrary to the norms and principles of international competition, as well as the spirit of sports,” they said in a statement. “Such actions are dividing the world sports community, which has always adhered to the principles of equality, mutual respect and independence from politics. We reserve the right to challenge the decision of FIFA and UEFA in accordance with international sports law.”

About At The Buzzer

At The Buzzer, or ATB is the place for those who love sports, life, family, community, and so much more. We are far from the run-of-the-mill 24/7 sports news websites. We not only bring you what’s happening in the world of sports in terms of trades and breaking news, but we also bring you the news that goes on behind the scenes, like big life moments, and so much more. So take a minute and read one of our articles, we promise you won't regret it.