FIFA has decided to suspend Russia from the World Cup playoff semifinal set later this month, as Poland moves towards the final round.
The international governing body of the sport confirmed that Russia got kicked out of the qualification process for the 2022 World Cup. The decision comes after Moscow invaded Ukraine last month.
"Subsequent to the decision of 28 February 2022 taken jointly with the UEFA Executive Committee to suspend all Russian teams from participation in both FIFA and UEFA competitions until further notice," a FIFA statement reads, per Mirror.
The FIFA Organizing Committee has ruled that Poland will be given a bye to the Path B final, which will be held on March 29, 2022, in which they will fight the winner of the match between Sweden and the Czech Republic.
Poland had been scheduled to play Russia in the semifinal of the playoff process just days before, but the Polish FA and players made it clear that they do not want to play Russia after the invasion of Ukraine.
In the final round, Poland will battle the winner of the match between the Czech Republic and Sweden.
Russian and Ukrainian Players Can Go on Break
FIFA earlier announced that players and coaches from Russian and Ukrainian clubs will be permitted to break their contracts in the meantime due to Russia's ongoing bombardment on Ukraine.
Football's global governing body of football announced on Monday that clubs from other nations will be allowed to sign up to two players who previously played for clubs in Russia or Ukraine beyond the transfer period, per Al Jazeera.
However, the moves are only permitted until June 30, the end of the season.
Other Sports Leagues Condemn Russian Invasion of Ukraine
Meanwhile, as the fallout persists in the sports world from Russia's invasion of Ukraine, major sports leagues from 37 countries announced this week that they will prohibit Russia and Belarus from "host, bid for, or be awarded any international sporting events" according to Forbes.
The U.K. Premier League pledged £1 million "to support the people of Ukraine." and suspended its agreement with Russian broadcast partner Rambler (Okko Sport)
Starting March 7, the International Gymnastics Federation bans Russian and Belarusian athletes and officials from participating in competitions until further notice. This includes the Acrobatic Gymnastics World Championships next week.
Formula 1 said in a statement reported by the BBC said Russia "will not race in the future." While the World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) said it has canceled its partnership with Russian broadcaster Match and discontinued the showing of WWE Network programs in the country.
The Association of Tennis Professionals and the Women's Tennis Association announced this week that they will allow Russian and Belarusian tennis players to continue competing in tournaments for now, though they cannot compete under the name or flag of their countries.
The National Hockey League (NHL) announced that it is going to suspend partnerships with all Russian business partners. The NHL in a statement condemned Russia's attack on Ukraine and "urges a peaceful resolution as quickly as possible," adding it was pausing its Russian language digital and social media sites.
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