*Bans Russian National Anthem, Flag From International Games
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Russia must play international matches in neutral countries without supporters, world governing body FIFA has announced.
The country will also have to play under the name “Football Union of Russia” and not as “Russia” under new measures issued in response to the Ukraine crisis.
FIFA has also ruled that no Russian flag or national anthem can be used.
The sport’s governing body had been under pressure to suspend Russia from international competition following the country’s invasion of Ukraine.
It has stopped short of taking such a measure now but in said in a statement that “additional sanctions” could include “potential exclusion from competitions”.
FIFA added that it is involved in ongoing dialogue with other sporting associations over the issue.
The statement read: “The bureau of the FIFA council has unanimously decided to take immediate first measures, in line with recommendations from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and that will be applicable until further notice:
“No international competition shall be played on the territory of Russia, with ‘home’ matches being played on neutral territory and without spectators;
“The member association representing Russia shall participate in any competition under the name ‘Football Union of Russia (RFU)’ and not ‘Russia’;
“No flag or anthem of Russia will be used in matches where teams from the Football Union of Russia participate.”
Addressing potential further action, the statement added: “FIFA will continue its ongoing dialogue with the IOC, UEFA and other sport organisations to determine any additional measures or sanctions, including a potential exclusion from competitions, that shall be applied in the near future should the situation not be improving rapidly.
“The bureau of the FIFA council remains on standby to take any of these decisions.”
Earlier on Sunday, the Czech Republic followed Sweden and Poland in announcing they would not play Russia.
Poland were due to meet Russia in a World Cup qualifying play-off next month, with the winner advancing to face either Sweden or the Czechs.
The refusal of the three nations to play the fixtures effectively leaves world governing body FIFA to decide whether to grant Russia clear passage to the World Cup finals or bar the nation entirely.
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