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Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, France, the most recent World champion, has demanded that Russia be barred from the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Noel Le Great, the head of the French Football Federation, led the charge to have Russia removed from football’s biggest tournament.
“Sport, particularly football, can no longer be considered impartial. I would not be opposed to Russia being expelled “Le Graet told the daily Le Parisien that
After winning the 2018 tournament in Russia, France is the reigning world champion.
FIFA had warned that they were considering the most severe penalties, but after four days of fighting, they simply ordered Russia to play home internationals on neutral grounds on Sunday.
Their national flag and song would also be prohibited, according to reports.
Following France’s request, FIFA announced that Russian teams would play under the name “Football Union of Russia.”
The Polish FA, meanwhile, reiterated their refusal to play Russia in a World Cup play-off after FIFA’s announcement.
“Today’s FIFA judgment is very unacceptable,” Cezary Kulesza, head of the Polish FA, tweeted.
“We have no desire to take part in this charade of appearances. Our position remains unchanged: the Polish National Team will not play with Russia, regardless of the team’s name.”
On March 24, Poland was scheduled to play in Moscow.
Sweden and the Czech Republic have also stated that they will not participate in the playoffs against Russia.
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