Irish FA chiefs sent a strong message of support to Ukraine today after pulling the plug on next month’s scheduled Euro U21 qualifier with Russia.
The association issued its statement an hour before FIFA and UEFA confirmed that all Russian national and club teams are suspended from their competitions "until further notice".
Northern Ireland U21s were scheduled to face the Russians in Lurgan on March 29, but that game will not now be played.
In a short statement, the IFA said Northern Ireland teams, both national and club, wouldn’t fulfill fixtures against Russian opposition at any level for the “foreseeable future”.
It also sent a “strong message of support to our friends in Ukraine” in the wake of Russia’s ongoing invasion and attack on their country.
After holding an extraordinary meeting of its board, the IFA stated: “Northern Ireland will not compete in any fixtures for its international teams or those affiliated at club level against Russian teams for the foreseeable future.
“This includes the home UEFA U21 Euro qualifier scheduled for Tuesday, March 29.
“On behalf of everyone connected to the Irish FA, and the wider football family in Northern Ireland, we send a strong message of support to our friends in Ukraine.”
The English, Scottish and Welsh FA had all issued similar statements in recent days, as did the Football Association of Ireland earlier today.
The Republic of Ireland are due to host Ukraine at the Aviva Stadium in a Nations League opener on June 4 with the return fixture scheduled for June 14.
In a statement, the FAI said president Gerry McAnaney and CEO Jonathan Hill had contacted their counterparts in Ukraine with messages of support and solidarity.
An FAI statement read: “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.
“The CEO has also confirmed that the Association will not play against any Russian team at any level whilst the current situation prevails.”
The Northern Ireland senior team last played Russia during the 2014 World Cup qualifying campaign, losing 2-0 in Moscow in 2012 and winning 1-0 at Windsor Park in 2013.
