Russia banned from World Cup

FIFA and UEFA have banned Russian clubs and its national teams from footballing competition following Russia’s attacks on Ukraine ordered by president Vladimir Putin. This was a u-turn, having initially declared that Valeri Karpin’s side would be allowed to compete in the upcoming play-offs on certain terms.

The initial decision was promptly slammed by their semi-final opponents, Poland, who had previously confirmed over the weekend that they would boycott the match - scheduled for Thursday, March 24 in Moscow - in support of neighbours Ukraine.

Albion midfielder Jakub Moder is part of the Poland team who initially refused to play Russia in the play-off.

Moder’s international temmate Robert Lewandowski tweeted: “Russian footballers and fans are not responsible for this, but we can’t pretend that nothing is happening.”