Russia´s flag, anthem won’t ´be allowed in Int´l tournament: FIFA

The governing body of international football association, FIFA on Sunday said that Russia will be able to participate in international competitions under the name the Football Union of Russia (RFU) without their flag and anthem.

FIFA took the decisions following the Russia´s attack on Ukraine.

FIFA would like to reiterate its condemnation of the use of force by Russia in its invasion of Ukraine, said FIFA in a press release, expressing its deepest solidarity to all people affected by what is happening in Ukraine.

To address football-related matters and in coordination with UEFA, the Bureau of the FIFA Council - involving the FIFA President and the six Confederation Presidents - has unanimously decided to take immediate first measures, in line with recommendations from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and that will be applicable until further notice.

As per the FIFA decision, no international competition shall be played on the territory of Russia, with “home” matches being played on neutral territory and without spectators, the member association representing Russia shall participate in any competition under the name “Football Union of Russia (RFU)”, not “Russia” and no flag or anthem of Russia will be used in matches where teams from the RFU participate.

FIFA will continue its ongoing dialogue with the IOC, UEFA and other sport organisations to determine any additional measures or sanctions, including a potential exclusion from competitions, that shall be applied in the near future should the situation not be improving rapidly.

With regard to the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2022 qualifiers, FIFA has taken good note of the positions expressed via social media by the Polish Football Association, the Football Association of the Czech Republic and the Swedish Football Association.

Czech Republic and the Sweden on Sunday said that they would not play with Russia even on a neutral venue.

FIFA has already engaged in dialogue with all of these football associations and will remain in close contact to find out an amicable solution together.