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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
Sport
Paul O'Hehir

Ireland will not play Russia in any football fixture 'until further notice'

No Irish team will play against Russia at any level until further notice, the FAI has confirmed.

And Aviva Stadium will be lit up in the colours of the Ukrainian flag at 7.00pm today in a show of solidarity.

The FAI has offered its ‘full and unequivocal support’ to the Ukraine FA in the wake of Russia’s invasion of the country.

Ireland are due to host Ukraine at Aviva Stadium in a Nations League opener on June 4 before playing them away on June 14.

That game was originally scheduled for Kiev and then Lviv, but will be played in a neutral venue, possibly Poland.

England, Wales, Norway and Switzerland had already said they will not play Russia until further notice.

And Poland are refusing to play Russia in the World Cup playoffs, with Sweden and Czech Republic indicating the same.

The Ireland Women's Under-16s are due to play Russia in the summer while the Women's Under-19s beat Russia 3-1 in Turkey last week.

An FAI statement read: “FAI President Gerry McAnaney and CEO Jonathan Hill have contacted their counterparts in the Ukraine with messages of support and solidarity.

“They have informed them that the FAI will be as flexible and accommodating as possible with regards to the staging of the two UEFA Nations League fixtures against Ukraine due to be played in June.

“The CEO has also confirmed that the Association will not play against any Russian team at any level whilst the current situation prevails.

FAI chief executive Jonathan Hill said: “In light of the current situation, I can confirm that we will not consider any international fixture against any Russian side, no matter what the level, until further notice.”

President Gerry McAnaney added: “We have confirmed to our colleagues at the Ukraine Association of Football that the FAI stands firmly alongside them in light of this terrible situation.

“We will join with the IRFU and Aviva Insurance to turn the Aviva Stadium yellow and blue this evening.

“And I am sure that fans at our League of Ireland games tonight will also show their support for the people of the Ukraine.”

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