Welsh football association latest to announce boycott of Russian games

The Football Association of Wales (FAW) is the latest in a string of countries to announce they would not play games against Russia following the invasion of Ukraine.

Wales follows England, Sweden, Ukraine, Czech Republic and Poland in announcing a boycott of Russian matches as teams were meant to play as part of World Cup qualifiers.

In a written statement, backed by Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford, the FAW said: “The Football Association of Wales (FAW) stands in solidarity with Ukraine and feels an extreme amount of sadness and shock to the recent developments in the country.

“The FAW expresses its condemnation for the use of force and the atrocities being committed by Russia in its invasion of Ukraine.

“The FAW has decided that Cymru will not play any international fixtures against Russia for the foreseeable future, at any level of the game.

“Our thoughts and support are with the people of Ukraine.

“Сильніші разом. Together, we are stronger. Gyda’n gilydd, yn gryfach.”

The English Football Association have said that the country will not play any international matches against Russia “for the foreseeable future” and that it “wholeheartedly condemns the atrocities being committed by the Russian leadership”.

FIFA has requested that the Russian football teams play upcoming games in neutral territory under the name the Football Union of Russia without their flag and anthem.

This approach has been deemed “totally unacceptable” by the Polish FA.

Polish football association president Cezary Kulesza said: “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.”

Swedish FA president Karl-Erik Nilsson said: “Our opinion is not different today and the situation has not changed in Ukraine just because we have received the message from Fifa, so we have no other opinion today.

“We also want to talk to Poland and the Czech Republic so that we can give back to Fifa what we think, but we had expected a sharper stance from Fifa. We would have done so.”