Impacts of Russia’s FIFA Suspension

FIFA suspended Russia from all international matches and competitions this week following the ongoing turmoil in Ukraine. In addition, UEFA has banned all Russian club teams from participating in European competitions for the foreseeable future.

The move comes as part of an international backlash against Russia and its president, Vladimir Putin, following the country’s military invasion of neighbouring Ukraine.

Ultimately, the suspension of the Russian national team is likely to dent any chances of reaching the 2022 World Cup. The eastern European nation hosted the last World Cup tournament in 2018 when it reached the quarter-finals – the best-ever finishes since the Soviet Union disbanded in 1991.

There could also be longer-term consequences for Russian football if the ban continues beyond 2022.

FIFA U-Turn as teams refuse to face Russia

Before a joint announcement by FIFA and UEFA on Monday, February 28 that confirmed the suspension, FIFA originally proposed that Russia play its upcoming matches in a neutral venue with restrictions. These included the team playing under the name, Football Union of Russia, and no flag or national anthem would be present.

This was an effort to continue with Russia’s scheduled World Cup play-off match against Poland on March 24.

Despite the effort made to keep Russia and its club teams in European and international competitions, other nations highlighted their opposition. Poland were opposed to playing the upcoming play-off semi-final. Then, the Czech Republic and Sweden, teams Russia could have faced if they defeated Poland, also said they would not face Russia in a play-off. Wales, Scotland England and the Republic of Ireland also joined the opposition.

However, despite their initial attempts to go ahead, FIFA changed tact days later. In the joint announcement, FIFA and UEFA stated, “all Russian teams, whether national representative teams or club teams, shall be suspended from participation in both FIFA and UEFA competitions until further notice.”

The statement went on to show solidarity with those in Ukraine, explaining, “Football is fully united here and in full solidarity with all the people affected in Ukraine. Both Presidents hope that the situation in Ukraine will improve significantly and rapidly so that football can again be a vector for unity and peace amongst people.”

What are the impacts on Russian football?

The ban ultimately means that Russia will not feature in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, scheduled to take place this winter. As the nation is unable to fulfil its fixture against Poland, it will be forced to forfeit from any competition in the World Cup this year.

Ultimately, the sanctions will hurt the footballing structure, finances and culture in Russia. With the nation showing big improvements in competitiveness and performance in recent international tournaments, the ban will be a huge setback.

In the last five European Championships, Russia reached the group stages and finished third in the 2008 competition. The nation has also qualified for the last two World Cups and the chance to make a third consecutive tournament in 2022 will come as a massive blow.

Russia’s youth side were also scheduled to play Northern Ireland in a European Under-21 Championship qualifying group in March. But this has also been cancelled.

The Russian women’s team have been banned from the upcoming European Championships too.

In addition, the ban has also affected Russia’s club teams still in UEFA club competitions. Spartak Moscow had reached the last 16 of the UEFA Europa League following their victory of Legia Warsaw. However, UEFA cancelled their tie against RB Leipzig as Spartak were kicked out of the competition, allowing Leipzig to advance straight to the quarter-finals.

In response, Spartak Moscow said: “The decision to exclude our team from Europa League is upsetting.

“We believe that sport, even in the most difficult times, should aim to build bridges, and not burn them.

“We will focus on domestic competitions and hope for a speedy achievement of peace that everybody needs.”

The entire Football Community responds to Ukraine crisis

Further sanctions and backlash against Russian football have been imposed by individual clubs too.

St Petersburg was due to host this season’s Champions League final in May, but this event was moved to Paris. Also, high-profile European clubs have cancelled sponsorship deals with Russian companies. Manchester United ended a deal with Russian airline, Aeroflot, while German club Schalke dropped their Gazprom sponsor. Adidas has also stopped sponsoring the Russian national team kit.

Overall, the FIFA and UEFA ban come as part of far-reaching sanctions and reactions from the European and international football community.

As long as the invasion of Ukraine continues, it is unlikely that there will be any removal of the sanctions in place. Russian football will suffer as a result. Even though the domestic leagues continue in the nation, lack of competition from the European and international stage will harm the identity and progress of a proud football nation.