Gary Lineker has called for Russia to be expelled from competing in the 2022 World Cup following the invasion of Ukraine.
Russia ’s involvement in sport has come under the spotlight after Vladimir Putin gave the green light for his country to invade its neighbour on Thursday morning.
The football world has united in support of Ukraine, with the eastern European country now into its fourth day of fighting the Russian invaders.
Russia were due to compete against Poland in Moscow on March 24 – with Czech Republic facing Sweden in the other qualifier – to decide which side goes to the Qatar World Cup.
But those fixtures have been thrown into doubt after all three nations said they would not take part in protest against Russia’s aggressive actions.
French Football Federation president Noel Le Graet has now called for Russia to be kicked out of the World Cup, with Lineker adding his weight to the suggestion.
“There can be no alternative unless Russia pull out of Ukraine,” Lineker wrote while quote-tweeting an article carrying Le Graet’s quotes.
Lineker added: “With Poland, Sweden & Czech Republic refusing to play Russia, @FIFAcom has to support them.
“It’s hard to envisage a World Cup taking place if Russia are given a free pass to the finals. How many teams will refuse to play them or pull out? FIFA where are you?”
Poland were due to play Russia next month, with the winner then facing one of Sweden or Czech Republic for the chance to compete in Qatar, but they have made a stand by refusing to fulfil the fixture.
The silence of FIFA president Gianni Infantino has been deafening in the days since Russia sparked international outrage by invading Ukraine.
World football’s governing body are yet to make a call on what to do about Russia’s involvement in next month’s World Cup qualifiers.
Le Graet’s comments have certainly turned up the pressure on Infantino to act.
“The world of sport, and especially football, cannot remain neutral. I certainly would not oppose the expulsion of Russia,” Le Graet told Le Parisien newspaper.
“In these dramatic circumstances, how can one envisage playing football against this country.”
World champions France are far from the only federation to call for action from FIFA.
Polish football federation president Cezary Kulesza has also called on FIFA to make a decision, tweeting on Sunday morning: "The president [of the Czech FA] has just told me that the Czechs will also not play Russia in the play-off match.
"Three federations show what solidarity means. Now it's time for the FIFA move."
Chairman of the Swedish FA, Karl-Erik Nilsson, added: "The illegal and deeply unjust invasion of Ukraine currently makes all football exchanges with Russia impossible.
"We therefore urge FIFA to decide that the playoff matches in March in which Russia participates will be cancelled.
“But regardless of what FIFA chooses to do, we will not play against Russia in March."
