Russian Federation responds to the FIFA sanction: “It has a discriminatory character”

Russia’s attack on Ukraine has consequences in different areas, such as sports. During the morning of this Monday, FIFA announced that the Russian national team will not be able to participate in the different competitions, with which it will be left out of the Qatar 2022 World Cup; while the clubs say goodbye to international tournaments, be it Champions, Conference, Europa League and others. The drastic position generated controversy, although it was also supported.

After the revelation of the highest body in world football, the Russian authorities did not sit idly by and the federation decided to issue a formal statement, responding and clarifying that they will appeal the punishment, because they consider that it is a resolution “discriminatory”.

“We believe that this decision is contrary to the rules and principles of international competition, as well as the spirit of sportsmanship. It is clearly discriminatory in nature and harms a large number of athletes, coaches, club and national team workers and, more importantly, millions of Russian and foreign fans whose interests international sports organizations must protect.”indicates the text.

“Such actions are dividing the global sports community, which has always adhered to the principles of equality, mutual respect and independence from politics. We reserve the right to challenge the decision of FIFA and UEFA in accordance with international sports law.”, he adds.

FIFA statement sanctioning Russia

This was the statement sent by FIFA, revealing the sports sanction to Russia:

“Following initial decisions taken by the FIFA Council and the UEFA Executive Committee, which provided for additional measures to be taken, FIFA and UEFA have today jointly decided that all Russian teams, whether they are national representative teams or club teams, will be suspended from participating in both FIFA and UEFA Competitions until further notice. These decisions were adopted today by the FIFA Council Bureau and the UEFA Executive Committee, respectively, the highest decision-making bodies of both institutions on such urgent matters. Football is fully united here and in full solidarity with all affected people in Ukraine. Both presidents hope that the situation in Ukraine will improve significantly and quickly so that football can once again be a vector of unity and peace between people.”