Fifa’s Russia/RFU problem puts Qatar 2022 World Cup ‘under threat’

Football’s world governing body Fifa has been criticised for the sanctions it has so far handed out to Russia in the wake of the Ukraine invasion. 

The bureau of the Fifa Council announced yesterday that the “member association representing Russia” shall participate in any competition under the name “Football Union of Russia (RFU)” and not “Russia”. No Russian flag or anthem will be used in matches where teams from the Football Union of Russia participate. And no international competition would be played in Russia, with “home” fixtures held in neutral territory and without supporters. 

The last Fifa World Cup was held in Russia in 2018 and the country’s chances of appearing at this winter’s tournament in Qatar are now under the spotlight. 

‘Disgraceful’ and ‘unacceptable’ decision

Fifa’s decision to allow a Russian team to continue playing international football matches has been branded “disgraceful” by the Polish Football Association (FA), CNN reported. Poland have refused to play Russia in the World Cup play-off semi-final on 24 March and Polish FA president Cezary Kulesza called the decision not to implement a total ban “unacceptable”. He said the Polish national team would not play Russia “no matter what the name of the team is”. 

“Due to the disgraceful decision of Fifa, the Polish FA sent a letter today to all federations in Europe,” Kulesza tweeted. “We presented our position and encouraged them to stand by our side. Because only united we will be strong. No indulgence for Russian aggression against Ukraine.”

Sweden and Czech Republic join boycott 

Should the Russian team beat Poland in the play-off semi-final, they would meet either the Czech Republic or Sweden in the final – and play for a place at the Qatar 2022 World Cup. Following Poland’s decision to boycott any match against Russia, Sweden and the Czech Republic have joined them. 

Fifa said it has “taken good note” of the positions expressed by the Polish, Czech Republic and Swedish FAs. It has “already engaged in dialogue with all of these football associations” and will “remain in close contact to seek to find appropriate and acceptable solutions together”.

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‘Fifa may destroy themselves and the World Cup’

By refusing to kick Russia out of the competition, Fifa “have put the entire World Cup under threat”, said The Sun. And the boycott from the member nations has put Fifa president Gianni Infantino “at a crossroads” over whether or not to allow Russia directly through or replace them in the play-offs, The Mirror added. 

Fifa said that Russia must play home matches on neutral territory – but “who on earth would agree to host them?”, asked BBC sports editor Dan Roan. Many believe that after Russia’s invasion of a sovereign country, “only a much sterner punishment will suffice”. The close relationship Infantino has forged with Vladimir Putin will also “once now again come under scrutiny”.

With its Russian stance, Fifa may “destroy themselves” and the 2022 World Cup, said Ian King on Football365. If a Russian team did qualify for Qatar, what happens when the three teams they’re drawn against in the group stages also withdraw? What happens when others do as well? “In short, it’s almost impossible to see this World Cup even going ahead unless Fifa change their course as a matter of urgency.”

Article source: https://www.theweek.co.uk/news/sport/football/955917/fifa-russia-rfu-problem-qatar-2022-world-cup-under-threat