FIFA BANS 3 COUNTRIES

Gianni Infantino - FIFA president
 

Three countries have been excluded from playing in the 2026 FIFA World Cup due to various reasons.

The Russian Football Union (RFU) has been banned from both FIFA and UEFA competitions since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022.

Last year, FIFA and UEFA decided to uphold Russia's ban from worldwide competitions through to the 2026 World Cup.

That means neither the men's nor women's teams can play in the World Cup or European Championships. Domestic club sides also cannot play in UEFA competitions.

In Europe, the draw for the qualification groups was made in December and Russia was the only UEFA member not to be included with the remaining 54 nations divided amongst a dozen groups.

Now, FIFA has suspended Congo and Pakistan with immediate effect due to 'serious circumstances' - essentially banning both nations from even the prospect of the 2026 World Cup.

FIFA has banned Congolese Football Association, known as FECOFOOT, for what is described as a 'particularly serious situation of undue interference by third parties' in its affairs.

A FIFA statement read: "FECOFOOT has been suspended with immediate effect due to a particularly serious situation of undue interference by third parties in the affairs of the organisation, which constitutes a clear violation of FECOFOOT’s obligations in accordance with the FIFA Statutes.

"The decision was taken in consultation with CAF after two FIFA/CAF missions were dispatched to Brazzaville."

FIFA say the suspension will only be lifted under several conditions including returning FECOFOOT's headquarters to the full control of the Congolese Football Association, halting any efforts to 'change the signatories' of FECOFOOT's bank accounts, giving decisions to an ad hoc committee and ensuring full cooperation to allow the association to operate without any third party influence.

The Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) has also been suspended after it did not adopt a revised constitution that would 'ensure truly fair and democratic elections'.

The FIFA statement read: "The suspension will only be lifted subject to the PFF Congress approving the version of the PFF Constitution presented by FIFA and the AFC."

Congo currently sit bottom of Group E in the CAF qualification section, while Pakistan finished bottom of Group G in the second round of the qualification process in the AFC confederation.

The next edition of the global tournament which is held every four years will take place across three countries in the summer of 2026.

The USA will be the biggest host of the trio with a total of 11 stadiums due to stage games, with three cities in Mexico and two in Canada completing the tournament's composition.

Argentina are the defending champions having won their third World Cup at the competition held in the winter of 2022 in Qatar, beating France on penalties following a 3-3 draw after extra-time.

- Beatrice Laryea

 

RUSSIA'S SOCCER FRIENDLY AGAINST PARAGUAY PUT OFF INDEFINITELY DUE TO MOSCOW TERRORIST ATTACK

 MOSCOW (AP) — The Russian Football Union said Saturday that its team's friendly against Paraguay scheduled for Moscow on Monday has been put off indefinitely due to the terrorist attack near the capital.

At least 133 people were killed after gunmen opened fire with automatic weapons in a suburban concert hall near Moscow on Friday. The Islamic State group has claimed responsibility.

Officials said the match originally scheduled for Moscow’s VTB Arena would be played at a later date.

Russia has been banned from FIFA and UEFA competitions following the country’s invasion of Ukraine two years ago. It can only play friendlies.

“The Russian Football Union, together with the entire country, mourns those killed in the terrible terrorist attack at Crocus City Hall,” RFU president Alexander Dyukov said. “In the current situation, together with our colleagues from Paraguay, we have decided not to hold a match between our teams and will organize it at a later date.”