After attack on Ukraine: FIFA and UEFA suspend Russia

The world football association FIFA and the European football union UEFA have excluded Russia from all competitions because of the attack on Ukraine. This has consequences for the upcoming World Cup and the Europa League.

The world football association FIFA and the European football union UEFA have suspended Russia from all competitions because of the invasion of Ukraine. This applies to both Russian clubs and national teams. This means that the round of 16 games between Leipzig and Spartak Moscow scheduled for March will not take place. According to the relevant UEFA regulations, RB is automatically one round further.

No cooperation with Gazprom

In addition, UEFA announced that it would end its cooperation with the Russian sponsor Gazprom with immediate effect. The decision affects all existing contracts, including the Champions League, national team competitions and EURO 2024 in Germany. The decisions were the logical consequence after the International Olympic Committee had previously recommended all world federations and organizers of sporting events not to allow Russian and Belarusian athletes and officials to take part in international competitions.

The decision of the two football associations also sealed the elimination of the Russian team in the World Cup elimination for Qatar. “Football is united here and in full solidarity with all affected people in Ukraine. Both presidents hope that the situation in Ukraine will improve significantly and quickly, so that football can once again be a factor for unity and peace between people “said the joint statement from FIFA and UEFA. RB Leipzig was drawn against Spartak Moscow last Friday. After that, the Saxon Bundesliga side would have home advantage on March 10th, the second leg was to be played on March 17th on neutral ground.

IOC wants to exclude athletes

The International Olympic Committee had already cleared the way for further action. According to the will of the IOC, athletes and officials from Russia and its ally Belarus should no longer be allowed to take part in international competitions. The IOC leadership made this recommendation to all world associations and organizers of sporting events.