Russia have suffered another setback as UEFA announced its ban on the country from the next edition of its flagship competition – Euro 2024.
Russia, which invaded Ukraine on 20th February in a major escalation of the conflicts between the neighbours, were also banned from the FIFA World Cup starting on 20th November in Qatar.
In the UEFA qualifying rounds for Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup, Russia placed second in Group H, a point behind Croatia. But before that final qualification phase, Russian national team and clubs were banned by UEFA from international competitions following the invasion of Ukraine.
European football’s governing body said in a statement on Tuesday reads: “All Russian teams are currently suspended following the decision of the UEFA Executive Committee of 28th February 2022, which has further been confirmed by the Court of Arbitration for Sport on 15th July 2022.
“Russia is therefore not included in the UEFA European Football Championship 2022-24 qualifying draw”.
Russia saw an appeal against the ban rejected by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in July.
In response, the Russian Football Union said: “The Union is currently awaiting for the full text of the CAS decision, following the study of which a decision will be made on further steps”.
The Russian team had originally qualified for the European qualifying play-offs.
The Russian women’s side were also kicked out of this year’s Euro in England, with their place taken by Portugal.
The 2024 European Championship will be hosted by Germany, with the qualifying draw set for 9th October in Frankfurt.
Germany’s interior minister has also asked for Belarus to be banned from the tournament due to the country’s backing of Russia.
Source: AFP
