Why FIFA has banned Russia from the World Cup and the leagues?

March 24, 2022

Due to the impact of the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, FIFA and UEFA have decided to not allow the Russian federation or any of the teams in the club football representing the territory of Russia to participate in any of the FIFA or UEFA competitions until further notice. The sanction has come out as a result of the cruel measures being taken for the war by the Russian federation an is a message from the World's and Europe's governing bodies that Football is United!

Current Format

As per FIFA,"Following the initial decisions adopted by the FIFA Council and the UEFA Executive Committee, which envisaged the adoption of additional measures, FIFA and UEFA have today decided together that all Russian teams, whether national representative teams or club teams, shall be suspended from participation in both FIFA and UEFA competitions until further notice. "

Effects on the 2022 World Cup

The 2022 version of the competition is due to be held in Qatar from 21 November. The final will be played on 18 December in the Iconic Lusail Stadium. The Russian National team was due to face Poland in the Playoff path semi-final. Due to the sanctions imposed, Poland will now receive a bye, putting them directly in the final in which they will face either Sweden or the Czech Republic, depending upon who wins their encounter.

Ukraine's tie with Scotland has also been postponed until further notice as a consequence of the shambolic conditions the nation is going through right now.

UEFA competitions

UEFA have also come out with similar sanctions meaning any teams from Russia will not be able to continue their paths in any of the European competitions. Spartak Moscow, who were in the Last 16 of the Europa League have been banned and RB Leipzig will receive a bye as a consequence.

Domestic Leagues

Russian domestic leagues have continued, but Ukraine's leagues have had to stop their games from further happening as a consequence of the war in their much of their country is under immense pressure and national crisis. Ukraine's domestic leagues have been postponed until further notice.

Further Implications

The FIFA World Cup in Qatar seems to be the most affected event with Russia unable to play and Ukraine's games being postponed until further notice.

Many nations have come out and said they do not wish to play Russia under any circumstances.

How does the World Cup qualification look like as of now?

Slots

Africa (CAF): 5
Asia (AFC): 4 (plus 1 playoff qualifier)
Europe (UEFA): 13
North/Central America & Caribbean (CONCACAF): 3 (plus 1 playoff qualifier)
Oceania (OFC): 1 playoff qualifier
South America (CONMEBOL): 4 (plus 1 playoff qualifier)

Two intercontinental playoff matches played in June 2022, featuring one nation from each of four different regions, will determine the final two qualifiers for the 2022 World Cup: Asia vs. South America, and North America vs. Oceania.

The qualifies are still on going around the different competing confederations but the following teams have already qualified as per February 2022, with the hosts Qatar gaining automatic qualification :