Politics

Should Russia Be Banned From The World Cup? There’s Historical Precedent

This week, Russia initiated an unprovoked invasion of Ukraine, the largest attack on a European nation since World War II. Amid global condemnation of the needless aggression and as Vladimir Putin turns his country into an international pariah, sports organizations have quickly moved to strip Russia of major events. While soccer isn’t the primary concern in Eastern Europe right now, many in the footballing world are wondering: Will FIFA ban Russia from the World Cup? Can UEFA kick Russian clubs out of its competitions?

Tecatito, Guardado Y Lainez Ya Conocen Los Rivales Que Tendrán En La Europa League

Además de anunciar el traslado de la final de la Champions League de San Petersburgo a París, como castigo a la invasión rusa a Ucrania, la UEFA dio a conocer hoy las llaves de octavos de final de sus otras dos competencias: la Europa y la Conference League.

Sorteo octavos de final Europa League

En la primera competencia, la de mayor tradición y linaje, el sorteo definió la suerte de tres futbolistas mexicanos.

Benfica’s Ukrainian Striker Yaremchuk Scores Equalizer Vs. Ajax, Sends Middle Finger To Putin

A Roman Yaremchuk Ukraine shirt celebration during Benfica’s 2-2 draw with Ajax in the Champions League caught the attention of fans on Wednesday. With Yaremchuk’s side trailing, the 26-year-old striker was able to bundle in a rebound in the 72nd minute to tie the game. He celebrated the goal appropriately.

Yaremchuk Ukraine Shirt Celebration

Putin’s Latest Moves In Ukraine Casts Serious Questions Over Russia Hosting Champions League Final And WCQ

Boris Johnson Says Russia Can't Be Allowed To Host Champions League Final

LONDON — Russia should not be allowed to host soccer events such as the Champions League final after Russian President Vladimir Putin recognised two breakaway regions in eastern Ukraine, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Tuesday.

Britain said that it would discuss the location of the Champions League final, which is scheduled to take place in St Petersburg in May, with the relevant governing bodies.

Italian Federation Asks To Postpone Serie A Games Ahead Of Italy's Do-Or-Die World Cup Playoff

ROME - The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) has requested the postponement of a round of Serie A fixtures to help the Italy national team in its preparations for the FIFA World Cup playoffs, FIGC president Gabriele Gravina said on Monday.

European champions Italy risk failing to qualify for a second consecutive World Cup after finishing behind Switzerland in their qualifying group, and they face North Macedonia in a playoff in Palermo on March 24.

Sierra Leone Keeper’s Man-Of-The-Match Display Brings Tears, Message From President

It’s frustrating when you see countless European coaches, fans and media outlets focusing more on what the Africa Cup of Nations costs than the joy it brings. Yes, some European clubs are without some top players for a little while, but no one complains participation in the Euros or Copa América. For proof of what AFCON means to the continent, look no further than the tears of Mohamed Kamara, the young Sierra Leone keeper who was named Man of the Match after an unlikely 0-0 draw with Algeria on Tuesday.

Requiring Vaccination To Attend AFCON Games Wins Very Few Skeptics Over In Cameroon

DOUALA - Largely empty stadiums could become a feature of this month's Africa Cup of Nations, which kicks off on Sunday, due mainly to Cameroon's paltry COVID-19 vaccination rate.

The host nation last month made full vaccination and a negative coronavirus test compulsory for spectators at Africa's premier soccer tournament.

With skepticism about the vaccines' safety and importance widespread, the country's inoculation levels are extremely low — though the lure of live soccer has convinced some fans to set their misgivings aside.

Fans Are Getting March 2020 Flashbacks As Germany Announces Limited Capacity For Bundesliga

BERLIN — Bundesliga matches can only have an attendance of up to 50% and up to a maximum of 15,000 spectators after the German government on Thursday reintroduced restrictions for sports events amid rising cases of COVID-19 infections.

Outgoing Chancellor Angela Merkel and her successor Olaf Scholz agreed with the leaders of Germany's 16 states on a number of measures, including the reduction of fans in outdoor and indoor sports events.

Benfica Game Abandoned After COVID-Hit Opponents Start With 9 Players, Including 2 GKs

LISBON - Benfica's Primeira Liga match at Belenenses on Saturday was abandoned amid extraordinary scenes after their COVID-19-hit opponents were forced to name a team of nine players — including two goalkeepers.

Benfica took advantage of their numerical superiority to rack up seven goals by halftime before Belenenses returned with only seven players for the second period.

Premier League Clubs Make Huge Decision On FIFA’s Biennial World Cup Plan

Premier League clubs have unanimously opposed FIFA's plans for a biennial World Cup and extended international breaks from 2024, the league's chief executive Richard Masters said on Thursday.

Soccer's world governing body is considering holding the global showpiece event every two years instead of every four once the international match calendar is revamped after 2024.

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