CAS "Russia Qatar World Cup PO Participation Ban Valid"

Russia, Qatar World Cup Playoff Participation Practically Off
CAS Upholds FIFA's Decision Declaring Poland 'Walkover' Victory

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Minji Lee] The Russian football team's dream of participating in the 2022 Qatar World Cup playoffs (PO) has effectively been dashed.

On the 18th (local time), the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) announced, "We reject the Russian Football Union's request to suspend the enforcement of FIFA's decision to ban all Russian teams and clubs from competitions during the CAS arbitration process," adding, "Therefore, FIFA's decision remains valid."

This means that the CAS once again refused the Russian Football Union's demand to temporarily halt FIFA's sanctions. On the 15th, CAS also dismissed the Russian Football Union's request for a suspension of enforcement against UEFA, which had banned Russian teams from international competitions.

FIFA and UEFA issued a statement on the 28th of last month, following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, declaring, "Until further notice, Russian national and club teams are banned from participating in competitions." In response, the Russian Football Union applied for arbitration with CAS on the 8th, requesting that their national and club teams be allowed to return to FIFA and UEFA-sanctioned matches and that the ban be suspended until a final ruling is made.

FIFA has already declared a 'walkover' victory for Poland, who were scheduled to face Russia in the 2022 Qatar World Cup European playoffs on the 24th.

However, CAS stated that the arbitration process is still ongoing. CAS explained, "The arbitration panel is currently being formed, and the relevant parties are exchanging written submissions," adding that the hearing schedule has not yet been set.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.