FIFA has imposed a ban on Russia, which recently invaded Ukraine, to host international matches and to use country names, flags, and national anthems.



FIFA has announced that "International matches cannot be held in Russia, and Russia's home matches will be played in a neutral zone and behind closed doors".



FIFA President Gianni Infantino and the presidents of the six continental football federations unanimously decided to ban the use of the Russian flag and national anthem in Russia's disciplinary action against RFU players.



FIFA, which condemned Russia's invasion of Ukraine, said, "We will continue to review whether further disciplinary action, including a ban from participation in the competition, in cooperation with other sports-related organizations such as the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the European Football Federation (UEFA)."



In particular, regarding the 2022 World Cup qualifiers in Qatar, which is currently underway, "I am well aware of the positions of the Polish, Czech and Swedish football associations (which refused to play against Russia)," he added. "We will continue to communicate to find a good solution."



Currently, Russia will face the winner of Sweden-Czech Republic if they win against Poland in March in the European qualifiers.



Poland, Sweden and the Czech Republic have already announced that they will not play against Russia in this regard, but FIFA has not yet made a clear position on Russia's withdrawal from the World Cup qualifiers.



According to the disciplinary action announced by FIFA, Russia will play the match against Poland scheduled for March 24 as a neutral match without fans, and the flag, national name or national anthem cannot be used.



After the FIFA disciplinary action against Russia was confirmed, the Polish Football Association continued to refuse to play against Russia, saying "It is difficult to accept FIFA's decision."



The English Football Association has also announced that it will not play against Russia.



The UEFA Women's Championship is scheduled for July in England, and Russia has already qualified for the tournament.



The French Football Association also said in an interview with the French media that "Russia should be expelled from the World Cup".



FIFA banned the participation of Yugoslavia, which was sanctioned by the United Nations for its war at the time of the 1994 World Cup European qualifiers in the United States.



(Photo = Getty Images Korea)