Russia cast into sporting wilderness as major sporting bodies FIFA and UEFA take drastic action

The sporting world has closed its doors to Russia following the invasion of Ukraine.

FIFA and UEFA have swiftly followed the recommendation of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) that its athletes be barred from international events, by suspending Russian teams from international soccer.

It means, unless troops are soon withdrawn and a peace settlement agreed, Russia will be kicked out of this year’s men’s World Cup and Women’s Euros.

A growing number of countries had already said they would refuse to play Russian teams at any level.

The recommendation from the IOC, which in addition stripped Russian President Vladimir Putin of the Olympic Order, also applied to athletes from Belarus, from where some Russian forces are entering Ukraine, and officials from both nations.

Finland had already told ice hockey’s ruling body that it did not want either Russia or Belarus to participate in the world championships it will host in May.

Swimming’s global governing body called off the World Junior Swimming Championships that were set to take place in Kazan in August.

Badminton’s world governing body cancelled all sanctioned tournaments in Russia and Belarus.

Ukrainian sports bodies have called for individuals such as tennis players and Formula One drivers, to be barred from competing in events.

This would jeopardise new tennis men’s No.1 Daniil Medvedev from defending his position and the F1 season of Haas driver Nikita Mazepin.

Manchester City’s Ukrainian international Oleksandr Zinchenko echoed that plea and added, via Instagram, “Stop the sale of rights to broadcasts of international sporting competitions to Russian media. Prohibit Russian companies from being sponsors of international competitions and clubs.”

FIFA and