The Fallout for Russian Soccer

February 28, 2022

By: Carlos Alvarez

FIFA, UEFA & Other Competitions / Teams Put Stop to Russian Soccer Privileges

The intersection of sports and politics is a place I like to stay away from in The Sportsletter, but recent events involving Russia’s invasion of Ukraine have led to multiple changes in the soccer world, among other sports. Teams and players across Europe are taking a stand with warm-up shirts and statements on social media. From FIFA to UEFA and other governing bodies across Europe, Russia’s soccer privileges are getting axed. Here’s what’s happening:

 

UEFA: The upcoming UEFA Champions League final (May 28) has been moved from St. Petersburg to Paris. Read More

 

FIFA: Russia can no longer compete in international events using the country’s name, flag or anthem. They’ll now compete under the name “Football Union of Russia” (RFU), and any “home” matches will be played on neutral territory without fans. Read More

 

World Cup: FIFA has not yet banned Russia from World Cup qualifiers, even after Sweden, Czech Republic and Poland have announced they will refuse to play against the RFU. Read More

 

Premier League: Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich, who owns Premier League club, Chelsea, announced that he is stepping away and giving stewardship of the franchise to the team’s charitable foundation. Read More

 

Additional Storylines

NY Times: Soccer, Russia & A Line Drawn Too Late

FOX: Russian Soccer Player Fedor Smolov 1st to Speak Out Against Invasion

CBS Sports: How the World of Soccer is Standing in Solidarity With Ukraine in Response to Russia Invasion