Russia faces football exile as Fifa announce 'unacceptable' World Cup play-off plans

Governing body's decision to move Russia's matches to neutral venues made with resistance

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Russia's national football team faces an uncertain World Cup future after Fifa's plans to allow them to play on neutral territory were dismissed as "unacceptable" by other European football federations, plunging the qualifying process for football's showpiece event into chaos.

Governing body Fifa had warned that they were considering the ultimate sanction against Russia as punishment for the military offensive in Ukraine. However, after three days of silence, they stopped short and ordered Russia to play home internationals at neutral venues where their national flag and anthem would be banned. Russian teams would be known as the Football Union of Russia.

Fifa said dialogue with other sports organisations to determine additional measures "including potential exclusion from competitions" would continue. Within minutes of the announcement, the Polish FA insisted they would not play Russia in a scheduled World Cup play-off, regardless of the venue.

"Today's Fifa decision is totally unacceptable," tweeted Polish FA president Cezary Kulesza. "We are not interested in participating in this game of appearances. Our stance remains intact: Polish National Team will NOT PLAY with Russia, no matter what the name of the team is."

Poland are due to play in Moscow on March 24 with the winners to host either the Czech Republic or Sweden five days later. The draw for the World Cup finals, to be staged in Qatar in November and December, is on April 1.

Sweden and the Czech Republic followed suit and expressed similar criticism of Fifa's plans.

"We have previously made it known that we do not want to face Russia under these circumstances (following the invasion) and this remains the case until further notice," said Swedish FA president Karl-Erik Nilsson. He added he was "displeased" with Fifa's decision.

The Czech FA said: "There will be no change in the Czech national team's standpoint."

In response, Fifa said in a statement that it had "taken good note of the positions expressed via social media by the Polish Football Association, the Football Association of the Czech Republic and the Swedish Football Association.

"Fifa will remain in close contact to seek to find appropriate and acceptable solutions together," the statement said.

French Football Federation president Noel Le Graet led calls on Sunday for Russia to be kicked out of the World Cup.

"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.

France are the World Cup holders after winning the 2018 tournament which was hosted by Russia.

The English FA said their national teams would not play any games against Russia "out of solidarity with Ukraine". The Welsh FA said they too would join a boycott as it "stands in solidarity with Ukraine and feels an extreme amount of sadness and shock to the recent developments in the country".

European governing body Uefa on Friday moved the Champions League final away from St Petersburg on May 28 and switched it to the Stade de France in Paris.

At Wembley on Sunday, Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta and Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson carried flowers in Ukraine's yellow and blue colours before kick-off in the League Cup final.

Both teams stood for a minute's applause, while a scoreboard message in yellow and blue blazed "Football Stands Together" and Liverpool and Chelsea fans were seen with Ukraine flags. One banner in blue and yellow read "You'll never walk alone" in reference to Liverpool's terrace anthem.

Chelsea also said they were "praying for peace" after owner Roman Abramovich's decision to hand over control of the Premier League club. The Russian-Israeli billionaire announced on Saturday that he was handing the "stewardship and care" of Chelsea to the trustees of the club's charitable foundation, but he will remain as owner.

Chelsea released a short statement on their website Sunday, stating: "The situation in Ukraine is horrific and devastating. Chelsea FC's thoughts are with everyone in Ukraine. Everyone at the club is praying for peace."