There are indications that Russia could be expelled from the 2022 World Cup to be hosted by Qatar over the country’s invasion of Ukraine.
Newsmen understand the game’s global governing body FIFA is in advanced talks to suspend the Russian Football Union.
It is said to be working closely with European confederation UEFA, and it is expected to issue a joint statement, confirming the RFU’s suspension could come later today, 28th of February.
The expulsion would mean that, barring an unlikely change of course in the Russian invasion, the country would not be able to face Poland in a World Cup play-off semi-final next month.
This is as the International Olympic Committee had issued a recommendation to international sports federations earlier on Monday to exclude Russian and Belarusian athletes, officials and teams from international competitions wherever possible.
The Committee’s executive board has advised Russian and Belarusian athletes not to be allowed to compete in international events amid the invasion of Ukraine.
The statement published on Monday afternoon recommended such athletes and officials should be barred by international sports federations and event organisers “in order to protect the integrity of global sports competitions and for the safety of all the participants.”
