Qualifications for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar were set to conclude in March of ‘22, with playoffs to decide the remaining teams. This will still occur. Of note, in the playoff mix were Ukraine and Russia. Then, with military force, Russia—under the leadership of Putin—invaded Ukraine.
“World soccer’s global governing body suspended Russia and its teams from all competitions,”* an article from The New York Times reported on February 28, 2022. What's more, Russia was ejected “…from qualifying for the 2022 World Cup only weeks before it was to play for one of Europe’s final places in this year’s tournament in Qatar.”** The article points out, “The decision came a day after FIFA was heavily criticized for not going far enough in punishing Russia for its invasion of Ukraine, and amid mounting demands from national federations for stronger action.”*** In addition: “The initial pressure for an outright ban of Russia came from soccer officials in Poland, Sweden and the Czech Republic, whose national team faced the prospect of games against Russia in a World Cup playoff in March. Other countries and officials, including the federations representing France, England and the United States, quickly said they would not play Russia under any circumstances.”****
As for the remaining European teams that might qualify? Much more to come, very soon.
* Tariq Panja, “FIFA Suspends Russia, Ejecting It From World Cup Qualifying,” The New York Times, published February 28, 2022, accessed March 17, 2022, https://www.nytimes.com/2022/02/28/sports/soccer/fifa-russia-ban.html
** Ibid.
*** Ibid.
**** Ibid.
“World soccer’s global governing body suspended Russia and its teams from all competitions,”* an article from The New York Times reported on February 28, 2022. What's more, Russia was ejected “…from qualifying for the 2022 World Cup only weeks before it was to play for one of Europe’s final places in this year’s tournament in Qatar.”** The article points out, “The decision came a day after FIFA was heavily criticized for not going far enough in punishing Russia for its invasion of Ukraine, and amid mounting demands from national federations for stronger action.”*** In addition: “The initial pressure for an outright ban of Russia came from soccer officials in Poland, Sweden and the Czech Republic, whose national team faced the prospect of games against Russia in a World Cup playoff in March. Other countries and officials, including the federations representing France, England and the United States, quickly said they would not play Russia under any circumstances.”****
As for the remaining European teams that might qualify? Much more to come, very soon.
* Tariq Panja, “FIFA Suspends Russia, Ejecting It From World Cup Qualifying,” The New York Times, published February 28, 2022, accessed March 17, 2022, https://www.nytimes.com/2022/02/28/sports/soccer/fifa-russia-ban.html
** Ibid.
*** Ibid.
**** Ibid.
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