Russia ban by FIFA to affect Manchester's hosting of UEFA Women's Euro 2022 matches

UEFA say no final decision has been made on Russia's involvement in the Women's Euro 2022 tournament - with all three of their group games set to take place in Manchester.

On Monday, the sporting world moved to suspend Russian teams and athletes from international competitions after the International Olympic Committee recommended that all international sports events do not invite or allow them to compete in light of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

FIFA and UEFA have since followed suit, meaning the three Women's Euro 2022 fixtures to be held at Leigh Sports Village this summer are currently shelved.

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Russia were scheduled to play all three of their group fixtures at Leigh, and saw two opponents already indicate they would refuse to fulfil the game.

UEFA have told the Manchester Evening News that no decision has been taken on the specific implications on the tournament, and whether Leigh would be given new fixtures if Russia were unable to compete.

They said: "The case of the 2022 WEURO will be discussed and decided upon by the UEFA Executive Committee at a later stage."

Even if Russia were cleared to play, two of their opponents would have to reverse decisions not to face any Russian side.

Sweden's men's side refused to face Russia in a potential World Cup play-off later this year should they beat Czech Republic, with their FA chairman Karl-Erik Nilsson saying: "The illegal and deeply unjust invasion of Ukraine currently makes all football exchanges with Russia impossible.

"We therefore urge FIFA to decide that the playoff matches in March in which Russia participates will be cancelled. But regardless of what FIFA chooses to do, we will