FIFA extends Russia’s ban ahead of World Cup qualifiers

The body governing football in the world and Europe, FIFA and UEFA have reportedly confirmed that Russia will not be allowed to participate in the World Cup qualifiers and the European Championship.

The Russian Football Union (RFU) has been banned from both FIFA and UEFA competitions since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022. This decision means that neither the men’s nor women’s teams can play in the World Cup or European Championships.

The news was confirmed by a Russian outlet MatchTV, where it was confirmed that FIFA and UEFA have decided to uphold Russia’s ban from worldwide competitions through to the 2026 World Cup. This decision means that they will not be able to enter the qualifying process, with one group containing one fewer team as a result.

In 2022, Russia reached the play-offs for World Cup qualifying and were due to take on Poland in March. However, the tie was cancelled after Russia’s ban and the Poles earned a bye to the next round.

The same restrictions have been applied in other sports, while some allow individual competitors to compete under a neutral flag or, in the case of the Olympics, under the Individual Neutral Athletes (AIN) banner.

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