On Thursday evening, Fifa held a meeting, where one of the topics discussed was Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. In a statement after the meeting, the union condemns Russia’s actions.
“Fifa condemns Russia’s use of force in Ukraine and all forms of violence to resolve conflicts. Violence is never the solution and Fifa calls on all parties to regain peace through constructive dialogue. Fifa also continues to express its solidarity with people affected by the conflict.” , the union writes in the statement.
At the end of March, the last European places for the World Cup in Qatar will be awarded, when the playoffs start. Russia is one of the countries that will participate and they have a home ground advantage in both the semifinals and a possible final.
The other nations in the same group, Sweden, Poland and the Czech Republic, have earlier on Thursday issued a joint statement to Fifa stating that they will not play in Russia, but ask the association to find alternative venues. But Fifa has not yet decided to move the matches.
– In these situations, football is definitely not a priority, but Fifa of course has an obligation to review the football-related consequences of what is happening in Ukraine. Regarding the football-related in both Russia and Ukraine, we continue to follow the situation and will communicate about the World Cup playoff matches soon, says Fifa president Gianni Infantino at a press conference after the meeting.
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