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Ukraine war: UN told hold emergency Ukraine session as Russia sanctions bite

The United Nations will hold an emergency session of all 193 member nations on Monday to discuss the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Backlash in Europe as FIFA refuses to expel Russia from football

FIFA drew a swift backlash from European nations for not immediately expelling Russia from World Cup qualifying and only ordering the country to play without its flag and anthem at neutral venues under the name of its federation — the Football Union of Russia. Protesting against FIFA's response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Poland said it would still refuse to play the country in a World Cup playoff semifinal, which is scheduled for March 24. "Today's FIFA decision is totally unacceptable,” Polish football federation president Cezary Kulesza tweeted. “We are not interested in participating in this game of appearances. Our stance remains intact: Polish National Team will NOT PLAY with Russia, no matter what the name of the team is.”

Ousmane Dembele sparkles as Barcelona thrash Athletic Bilbao, Sevilla defeat Betis

Ousmane Dembele turned the jeers to cheers at Camp Nou on Sunday by scoring a stunning goal and setting up two more in a 4-0 victory over Athletic Bilbao. Dembele's explosive finish in the second half was his first goal since the January transfer window, when Barca told the Frenchman he should leave if he refused to sign a new contract. But Xavi Hernandez has insisted on reintegrating Dembele in the last few weeks, with Barca needing the 24-year-old in their fight to finish in La Liga's top four. "Today he is the best Dembele we have seen and that is what we want," said Xavi. This victory puts Barcelona back into fourth place, above Atletico Madrid and now only one point behind Real Betis, who have been dragged into the scrap after they lost 2-1 to Sevilla earlier on Sunday.