The Russian Men’s and Women’s National Soccer teams have been temporarily suspended from competition as well as being kicked out of the upcoming FIFA World Cup tournament in Qatar. FIFA made this decision following the recent Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Following relentless pressure from the International Olympic Committee (IOC), FIFA decided to pull the men’s team from the World Cup as well as pull the women’s team from the European Championships being held in England in July. 

Furthermore, the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA), decided that Saint Petersburg is no longer hosting the Champions League final held in May. Paris has since been named the replacing city. 

In a statement, FIFA and UEFA said: “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.”

Russia’s Men’s Head Coach Valery Karpin is devastated for his players. “ I feel sorry for my boys. They were dreaming about playing at the World Cup. Now their hope is gone,” said Karpin.

U.S Soccer released their own statement in allegiance with other soccer federations refusing to play Russian teams. 

“The U.S. Soccer Federation stands united with the people of Ukraine and is unequivocal in our denunciation of the heinous and inhumane invasion by Russia. We will neither tarnish our global game, nor dishonor Ukraine, by taking the same field as Russia, no matter the level of competition or circumstance, until freedom and peace have been restored. #WeStandWithUkraine”.