Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, a host of national football teams have announced that they will refuse to play against Russia for the foreseeable future.
Poland, Sweden and Czech Republic, which were scheduled to face Russia in World Cup qualifying were the first to take the position. England, Wales and Scotland have followed suit, ruling out playing Russia at any level of competition.
After initially ordering Russia to play their upcoming games in neutral territory under the name the Football Union of Russia, FIFA is now set to oust the nation from World Cup qualifying altogether.
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Here's a look at all the nations that have stated that they won't be playing Russia.
Poland, Sweden, Czech Republic
Poland, Sweden, and the Czech Republic are scheduled to play Russia on March 24 in a four-team World Cup qualifying playoff mini-bracket.
But all three teams released a joint statement saying they will not play Russia in the matches, leaving FIFA with a decision to make.
OŚWIADCZENIE FEDERACJI PIŁKARSKICH POLSKI, SZWECJI I CZECH. Więcej... https://t.co/fkNXQJIseH pic.twitter.com/Tc9o5POp02
— PZPN (@pzpn_pl) February 24, 2022
High-profile players such as Robert Lewandowski and Wojciech Szczesny have also come out individually to criticized Russia with the reigning FIFA player of the year Lewandowski stating that "we can't pretend that nothing is happening."
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It is the right decision! I can’t imagine playing a match with the Russian National Team in a situation when armed aggression in Ukraine continues. Russian footballers and fans are not responsible for this, but we can’t pretend that nothing is happening. https://t.co/rfnfbXzdjF
— Robert Lewandowski (@lewy_official) February 26, 2022
Juventus goalkeeper Szczesny, who has a Ukrainian wife, said that he is refusing to play against Russia. He wrote on Instagram: “Seeing the suffering on their faces and fear for their country makes me realize I can’t stand still and pretend that nothing has happened.”
Karl-Erik Nilsson, chairman of the Swedish FA, said: "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 canceled. But regardless of what FIFA chooses to do, we will not play against Russia in March."
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England takes a stand against Russia
The English FA released a statement condemning Russia's actions in Ukraine and said that they do not intend to play Russia in any international fixtures at any level for the foreseeable future.
The FA statement read: "Out of solidarity with Ukraine and to wholeheartedly condemn the atrocities being committed by the Russian leadership, the FA can confirm that we won't play against Russia in any international fixtures for the foreseeable future.
"This includes any potential match at any level of senior age group or para football."
Statement from The FA: pic.twitter.com/bz0CLR0rum
— FA Spokesperson (@FAspokesperson) February 27, 2022
Ireland, Wales, Scotland join Russia boycott
Not only did the three nations announce their refusal to play against Russia, but Ireland and Scotland also offered support to the Ukrainian football federation with matches scheduled between the countries in March and June.
Ireland
The Football Association of Ireland announced its “full and unequivocal support” to the Ukrainian FA on Feb. 28. The decision was notable as Ireland is meant to play a pair of UEFA Nations League matches against Ukraine in June, drawn together in a four-team group with Scotland and Armenia.
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FAI president Gerry McAnaney and chief executive Jonathan Hill reached out to executives in Ukraine to inform them the FAI will be as "flexible and accommodating as possible" with regards to the two Nations League fixtures.
In addition, the FAI announced they will refuse to play Russia under any circumstances.
“In light of the current situation,” Hill said, “I can confirm that we will not consider any international fixture against any Russian side, no matter what the level, until further notice.”
Wales
Wales have also stated that they will not play any matches against Russia.
The statement from the Welsh FA read: "The Football Association of Wales (FAW) stands in solidarity with Ukraine and feels an extreme amount of sadness and shock to the recent developments in the country.
"The FAW expresses its condemnation for the use of force and the atrocities being committed by Russia in its invasion of Ukraine.
"The FAW has decided that Cymru will not play any international fixtures against Russia for the foreseeable future, at any level of the game.
"Our thoughts and support are with the people of Ukraine."
Сильніші разом. Together, we are stronger. Gyda'n gilydd, yn gryfach. 🇺🇦🏴 #TogetherStronger
— FA WALES (@FAWales) February 27, 2022
Scotland
Scotland have also stated that they won't play against Russia in any venue.
The statement read: "The Scottish FA President, Rod Petrie, has written to his counterpart at the Ukrainian Association of Football to send a message of support, friendship, and unity.
"Football is inconsequential amid conflict but we have conveyed the strong sense of solidarity communicated to us by Scotland fans and citizens in recent days.
"We remain in dialogue with UEFA and FIFA regarding our men's FIFA World Cup play-off and women's World Cup qualifier and have offered to support our Ukrainian colleagues' preparations as best we can in these unimaginably difficult circumstances.
"Should the current circumstances continue, we will not sanction the nomination of a team to participate in our scheduled UEFA Regions Cup fixture against Russia, due to be played in August.
"This will remain our position should any other fixtures arise at any level of international football."
The Scottish FA send a message of support, friendship and unity to the people of Ukraine. pic.twitter.com/hSckZTs0Xz
— Scottish FA (@ScottishFA) February 28, 2022
United States will not play Russia
On February 28, the United States added itself to the growing list of countries boycotting Russia, announcing it will not take the field against Russia "no matter the level of competition or circumstance, until freedom and peace have been restored."
In the statement, the U.S. took a firm stance, saying "we will neither tarnish the global game nor dishonor Ukraine" by taking the field against Russia.
While it had already been widely reported earlier that morning that FIFA was likely to ban Russia from competition, the statement of intent by the United States was still a firm and meaningful move, with the increase in competitive nations boycotting Russia forcing FIFA's hand.
#WeStandWithUkraine pic.twitter.com/spRVx7NZbr
— U.S. Soccer (@ussoccer) February 28, 2022
