OFFICIAL: FIFA and UEFA suspend Russia from international football competitions

The International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) expelled Russia from competing in the World Cup on Monday, just days after Russian forces invaded Ukraine.

Additionally, FIFA and the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) have suspended Russian club teams from competing in European competitions, such as the Champions League, Europa League and the European Women's Championship, FIFA revealed in a press release.

FIFA/UEFA suspend Russian clubs and national teams from all competitions

▶️ https://t.co/Q2htzW3W9z pic.twitter.com/LFo1bUtqmm

— FIFA Media (@fifamedia) February 28, 2022

The dramatic decision was made on Sunday by the Bureau of the FIFA Council and the Executive Committee of UEFA after reports showed that Russia had bombed major cities across Ukraine.

“Football is fully united here and in full solidarity with all the people affected in Ukraine. Both Presidents hope that the situation in Ukraine will improve significantly and rapidly so that football can again be a vector for unity and peace amongst people,” the statement read.

Although the Russian Football Union has not yet signaled that it will appeal the decision with the Court of Arbitration for Sport, it released a statement saying, “This decision is contrary to the rules and principles of international competition. It is obviously discriminatory.”