Oviri Kelvin, Sports Editor, Abuja
The Russia Football Union(RFU) has said it will appeal the decision by the World and European football governing bodies (FIFA & UEFA) against the country’s national teams and clubs from participating in any world or European football tournaments to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
FIFA and UEFA have in a joint statement on Monday placed a sanction on Russia’s national team and clubs over the invasion of Ukraine by Russia.
Describing the sanction as vindictive against Russia, RFU says it will in a joint lawsuit file an appeal against FIFA and UEFA to CAS to protect the integrity of its sport’s men/women and the national team to enable them to participate in the 2022 World Cup playoffs.
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FIFA and UEFA on Monday released a statement to bar the Russian national team and clubs from taking part in any world or European football competition.
In solidarity with the people of Ukraine, FIFA and UEFA thought it expedient to condemn the invasion and meted sanctions on Russia.
FIFA and UEFA joint statement read: “Following the initial decisions adopted by the FIFA Council and the UEFA Executive Committee, which envisaged the adoption of additional measures, FIFA and UEFA have today decided together that all Russian teams, whether national representative teams or club teams, shall be suspended from participation in both FIFA and UEFA competitions until further notice.
“These decisions were adopted today by the Bureau of the FIFA Council and the Executive Committee of UEFA, respectively the highest decision-making bodies of both institutions on such urgent matters.
“Football is fully united here and in full solidarity with all the people affected in Ukraine. Both presidents hope that the situation in Ukraine will improve significantly and rapidly so that football can again be a vector for unity and peace amongst people,” the statement said.
Going by this statement, Russia will not be able to play against Poland on March 24 this month except CAS rule otherwise.
