UEFA extends ban on Russia's national side and clubs into next season

Europe's governing body first suspended Russia and its clubs in February due to the conflict in Ukraine. The ban will continue into next season, while the country's bids to host either Euro 2028 or 2032 have been dismissed. 

Russia's exclusion from the Champions League is good news for the Scottish Premiership, with the league winners now set to proceed straight into the group stages - regardless of who wins this year's final.

The country's women's team will also be barred from competing at this year's European Championships in England. Russia will be replaced by Portugal who join Group C alongside Holland, Sweden and Switzerland.

The men's national side, in contrast, were due to face Poland in a World Cup qualifier last March, but the match was called off following Russia's suspension. Instead, Poland advanced automatically to the play-off final, where they beat Sweden 2-0 to book their place at the 2022 World Cup.

Russia have launched an appeal against the original suspension, though a date is yet to be set by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

READ MORE: Which summer signing has proved the worst value for money - Grealish, Lukaku or Sancho?