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Wales Online
Wales Online
National
PA Reporter & Matt Gibson

FAW announces Wales won't play any international fixtures against Russia for 'forseeable future'

The Football Association of Wales has become the latest to announce its teams would refuse to play against Russia.

A statement read: “The Football Association of Wales (FAW) stands in solidarity with Ukraine and feels an extreme amount of sadness and shock to the recent developments in the country.

“The FAW expresses its condemnation for the use of force and the atrocities being committed by Russia in its invasion of Ukraine.

“The FAW has decided that Cymru will not play any international fixtures against Russia for the foreseeable future, at any level of the game.”

Read more football news here

Earlier on Sunday, the Football Association announced that England will not play against Russia in any international fixture “for the foreseeable future” following the invasion of Ukraine.

A statement on Sunday evening followed announcements by the football associations of Poland, Sweden and the Czech Republic – all future or potential opponents of Russia in World Cup qualifying – that they will refuse to play Russia at any venue.

The FA’s statement said: “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.”

World governing body FIFA, however, has said Russia must play international matches in neutral countries without supporters, has announced.

The country will also have to play under the name “Football Union of Russia” and not as “Russia” under new measures issued in response to the Ukraine crisis.

FIFA has also ruled that no Russian flag or national anthem can be used.

Earlier on Sunday, the Czech Republic followed Sweden and Poland in announcing they would not play Russia.

Poland were due to meet Russia in a World Cup qualifying play-off next month, with the winner advancing to face either Sweden or the Czechs.

The refusal of the three nations to play the fixtures effectively leaves world governing body FIFA to decide whether to grant Russia clear passage to the World Cup finals or bar the nation entirely.

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