MY ACCOUNT
England will boycott international football fixtures with Russia “for the foreseeable future” in response to the conflict in Ukraine, the Football Association (FA) has confirmed.
After weeks of heightening political tensions, Russia invaded neighbouring Ukraine on Thursday, with the conflict having escalated over the weekend.
Russia’s actions have been widely condemned, with political, financial and sporting sanctions imposed.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) called on all international sporting federations to relocate or cancel any events set to take place in Russia or Belarus, while St Petersburg was stripped of the 2021-22 Champions League final by UEFA and Formula One removed the Russian Grand Prix from its 2022 calendar.
The FA has followed suit and will refuse to take part in any fixture with Russia for the foreseeable future as a show of solidarity for Ukraine.
“Out of solidarity with Ukraine and to wholeheartedly condemn the atrocities being committed by the Russian leadership, the FA can confirm that we won’t play against Russia in any international fixtures for the foreseeable future,” a statement released by the FA read.
“This includes any potential match at any level of senior, age group or para football.”
The FA’s stance comes after Poland, Sweden and the Czech Republic all announced that they will boycott matches against Russia in the upcoming World Cup qualification play-off rounds.
A number of prominent footballing figures, including Robert Lewandowski, have spoken out in support of that decision, while Sunday’s EFL Cup final between Chelsea and Liverpool at Wembley was preceded by a united display of support for the Ukrainian people.
