LONDON, 8 Mar. (dpa / EP) –
Premier League matches will not be broadcast on Russian television after the competition suspended its deal with broadcast partner Rambler (Okko Sport) in response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
The decision was made at a shareholders’ meeting in London on Tuesday, where all 20 clubs agreed. The Football Association (FA) did the same with the rights to the FA Cup, while the lower-tier English Football League (EFL) withdrew access to its iFollow and other club streaming services in Russia.
The Premier League will also donate one million pounds -1.2 million euros- to support people affected by the war. The move comes after massive support in the league over the weekend, with special armbands worn by club captains, messages of support displayed on giant screens and a moment of reflection before kick-off in each of the 10 matches. .
According to the PA news agency, the semifinals of the playoffs for the Qatar 2022 World Cup between Scotland and Ukraine have been postponed. Ukrainian authorities asked FIFA last week to postpone the match, which is scheduled for March 24 at Hampden Park.
The winner should face either Wales or Austria in the ‘Playoff’ final on March 29. The Ukrainian team is also due to host Ukraine in the Nations League on June 7, but their World Cup play-off is likely to be moved to that month.