Sweden is determined not to play against Russia in the European Women’s Championship if the suspension is lifted
Karl-Erik Nilsson, chairman of the Swedish Football Association (SvFF) and first vice chairman of UEFA, has stated that his country’s national team will not face Russia in the upcoming women’s European Championship, regardless of the result of Russia’s appeals to the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS ). In an interview with SVT SportNilsson said that there is no change from their previous attitude not to play against Russia in any competition until the war in Ukraine is over.
“Given the current situation, we will not face Russia in the European Championships. Thus, no difference from previous positions. The most obvious is that the interim decision stands, but UEFA can not choose a new nation until the CAS has finally decided the issue. We hope for as soon as possible, Nilsson says to SVT Sport.
The women’s European Championship play-offs will be held in England from 6 July onwards. Sweden is a member of Group C, together with the Netherlands, Switzerland and Russia. However, due to Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine, UEFA, the governing body of European football, has decided to exclude Russia from the competition. On the other hand, Russia has lodged an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) and the decision has not yet been taken.
Despite the fact that the case is still in court, Sweden has stated that the country’s national team would not play against Russia regardless of the outcome of the appeal.
FIFA-UEFA ban on Russia
FIFA and UEFA prevented the Russian Football Union (FUR) from participating in any competitions until further notice. The ban was introduced after football associations from Poland, Sweden and the Czech Republic refused to play against Russia in their planned World Cup qualifiers for men in March. FIFA and UEFA then published a statement, declaring that the Russian national team and all clubs in the country would be banned from competing in all international and European competitions until further notice.
At the same time, Russia is still an active member of both governing bodies. Russia also attended the FIFA Congress in Doha earlier this month. Russia launched an unprovoked military operation in Ukraine on February 24, attacking the country by land, air and sea. Since then, the war in Ukraine has been going on with both sides fighting to gain control of major ports and cities across the country.
Image: AP