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Fifa put entire World Cup at risk of COLLAPSE as they refuse to kick Russia out of competition after Ukraine invasion

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FIFA have put the entire World Cup under threat by refusing to kick Russia out of the competition.

On a day when the FA ruled out England facing Russia at any level, world football’s governing body refused to boot them out of Qatar 2022.

Russian president Vladimir Putin who ordered the invasion of UkraineCredit: Getty

Instead, Fifa will allow them to compete in the play-offs at neutral venues under the name “Football Union of Russia” — but with no national anthem, flag or fans.

Fifa chief Gianni Infantino is under pressure to axe Russia from the World Cup over president Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine.

But Fifa have stopped short of that step, saying “additional sanctions” could include “potential exclusion from competitions”.

Earlier yesterday, the Czech Republic joined Poland and Sweden by ruling out playing World Cup play-offs against Russia in March.

Poland are due for a showdown with Russia in a play-off semi-final in Moscow on March 24.

The winner of that game was set to play the play-off final in Warsaw or the Russian capital against either Poland or Sweden.

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If the Czech Republic, Poland and Sweden pulled out of the play-offs, Russia might effectively be granted a bye to the World Cup finals in November.

Other nations are likely to join England in boycotting games with Russia — placing the tournament in massive danger of being boycotted all together.

Fifa said: “No international competition shall be played on the territory of Russia, with ‘home’ matches being played on neutral territory and without spectators.

“The member association representing Russia shall participate in any competition under the name ‘Football Union of Russia (RFU)’ and not ‘Russia’.

“No flag or anthem of Russia will be used in matches where teams from the Football Union of Russia participate.”

Polish FA president Cezary Kulesza hit back: “Today’s Fifa decision is totally unacceptable.

“We are not interested in participating in this game of appearances.

“Our stance remains intact:  Polish National Team will not play with Russia, no matter what the name of the team is.”

Poland keeper Wojciech Szczesny said that his “conscience” would not let him play against Russia as he pleaded with Fifa and Uefa to take action.

The Juventus No 1, whose wife was born in Ukraine, said:  “I refuse to stand on the pitch and listen to the national anthem of Russia.

“I refuse to take part in a sporting event that legitimises the actions of the Russian government.”

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Polish skipper Robert Lewandowski added: “We can’t pretend nothing is happening.”

The English FA said in a statement last night: “Out of solidarity with Ukraine and to wholeheartedly condemn the atrocities being committed by the Russian leadership, the FA can confirm that we won’t play against Russia in any international fixtures for the foreseeable future.

“This includes any potential match at any level of senior, age group or para football.”

Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk

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