The Football Association (FA) has stated that England will boycott international football matches with Russia “for the foreseeable future” in response to the war in Ukraine.
Russia invaded neighboring Ukraine on Thursday, after weeks of rising political tensions, with the crisis escalating over the weekend.
Political, financial, and sporting sanctions have been applied in response to Russia’s conduct.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has requested that all international sporting federations relocate or cancel any events scheduled in Russia or Belarus, while UEFA has stripped St Petersburg of the 2021-22 Champions League final and Formula One has removed the Russian Grand Prix from its calendar for 2022.
As a show of solidarity for Ukraine, the FA has followed suit and will refuse to participate in any match with Russia for the foreseeable future.
“Out of solidarity with Ukraine and to wholeheartedly condemn the atrocities being committed by the Russian leadership, the FA can confirm that we won’t play against Russia in any international fixtures for the foreseeable future,” a statement released by the FA read.
“This includes any potential match at any level of senior, age group or para football.”
Following Poland, Sweden, and the Czech Republic’s announcements that they will boycott matches against Russia in the forthcoming World Cup qualification play-off rounds, the FA has taken a stand.
Several renowned footballers, like Robert Lewandowski, have backed the decision, and the EFL Cup final between Chelsea and Liverpool at Wembley on Sunday was preceded by a united show of support for the Ukrainian people.
Source: livescore news
