FIFA suspends Russia, ejecting it from World Cup qualifying

[peppertree]

World soccer’s global governing body suspended Russia and its teams from all competitions on Monday, ejecting the country from qualifying for the 2022 World Cup only weeks before it was to play for one of Europe’s final places in this year’s tournament in Qatar.

The suspension, which was announced on Monday evening in coordination with European soccer’s governing body, also barred Russian club teams from international competitions.

The decision came a day after FIFA was heavily criticized for not going far enough in punishing Russia for its invasion of Ukraine, and amid mounting demands from national federations for stronger action.

At: https://www.nytimes.com/2022/02/28/sports/soccer/fifa-russia-ban.html

Penalty kick: Russia's national football team will not compete in this year's World Cup in Qatar.

[Bleacher Creature]

1. It took too long, but glad they finally got there.

The idea that there was any possibility of Poland or the Czech Republic having to forfeit their matches against Russia was absurd.

[peppertree]

2. +1

This was a Red Card everyone could agree on.

[Ron Obvious]

3. So much for my hope of Russia qualifying and winning in Qatar because nobody would play them.

That would be the perfect farcical conclusion for a farcical tournament that should never have been held there in the first place.