The Russian Federation's response to FIFA and UEFA

He qualifies as a “discriminatory decision” the fact that his teams cannot participate in the playoffs for the men’s World Cup and the women’s European Championship

The players of the Russian national team, in a file image

WOLFGANG RATTAY

After the FIFA and the UEFA announced their decision to ban international teams from Russia participate in the playoff for the world male and the European Championship female, the Russian Federation ruled describing what happened as a “discriminatory decision”.

“The Russian Football Union categorically disagrees with the decision of the FIFA and the UEFA to suspend all Russian teams from participating in international matches indefinitely. We believe that this decision is contrary to the rules and principles of international competition, as well as the spirit of sportsmanship. It is clearly discriminatory in nature and harms a large number of athletes, coaches, employees of clubs and national teams and, most importantly, millions of Russian and foreign fans, whose interests international sports organizations must protect in the first place. Such actions are dividing the global sports community, which has always adhered to the principles of equality, mutual respect and independence from politics. We reserve the right to challenge the decision of the FIFA and the UEFA in accordance with international sports law”, can be read in full in the statement of the Russian Federation.