FIFA And UEFA Bans Russian Football Teams, IOC Urges Federations To Ban Russian Athletes

FIFA and UEFA have banned Russian football clubs and national teams from all competitions in response to Russia invading Ukraine. The men's team will not be able to play in the World Cup qualifying matches while the women's team won't play in the 2022 Euro tournament.

Spartak Moscow have been kicked out of the Europa League. The Russian club, who were scheduled to play RB Leipzig in the round of 16, termed the decision upsetting stating, "Unfortunately, the efforts that our club made in the Europa League have been nullified for reasons that are far outside the remit of sports."

UEFA had earlier shifted the 2022 Champions League final from the Gazprom Arena in St Petersburg in response to the invasion.

The European football governing body also announced that it is cancelling it's sponsorship deal with the Russian state-backed energy group, Gazprom.

Manchester United terminated their sponsorship deal with Russia's national airline Aeroflot, who had been the club's official carrier since 2013.

FIFA had come under pressure after Poland, Northern Ireland, England, Wales, Sweden and Czech Republic refused to play Russia with many criticising FIFA chief Gianni Infantino who is close to Vladimir Putin.

Russia's invasion also put a cloud over tennis star Daniil Medvedev reaching World No 1 ranking in the men's ranking. The Russian is the first player outside the "Big Four" to top the rankings in 18 years.