Football reacts to Russian invasion
Around the world of football, confederations, federations, clubs and individuals have been reacting to the events unfolding in Ukraine.
The strongest spotlights have been placed on UEFA and FIFA, with Saint Petersburg originally scheduled to host this season’s Champions League final, and Russia due to take part in 2022 World Cup qualifying play-offs at the end of March.
UEFA quickly moved their showpiece event to Paris, while also ending its reported £30 million-a-year sponsorship deal with Russian energy giant Gazprom. All Russian clubs were then suspended from UEFA competitions, ending Spartak Moscow’s involvement in the Europa League.
FIFA’s reaction was more cautionary. In a move echoing the IOC’s verdict on Russian athletes at the Winter Olympics, they initially decreed that Russia could still take part in the World Cup play-offs, but would have to do so under the name “Football Union of Russia”, play on neutral territory, and without their national flag and anthem.
The ruling lasted just 24 hours, with the FAs of Sweden, Poland and Czech Republic – who are all in Russia’s path of the play-off draw – insisting they would refuse to play the Russians, which prompted more decisive action from FIFA to ban Russia “until further notice”.
The conflict continued to have repercussions across the rest of the world, too.
ENGLAND
Roman Abramovich announced his intention to sell Chelsea, with reports claiming he values the club at £3bn. In an official statement, he said it was “in the best interest of the Club, the fans,