May 02, (THEWILL) – Russia will not compete in this summer’s Women’s European Championship in England, according to UEFA, and will be replaced by Portugal.
Due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, FIFA and UEFA issued a joint statement in early March clarifying that the country had been barred from participation in international games until further notice.
The team’s removal from the Euro 2022 lineup was eventually announced on Monday for the same reason.
In a statement making this public, UEFA said: “Following the initial decisions adopted by the FIFA Council and the UEFA Executive Committee, which envisaged the adoption of additional measures, FIFA and UEFA have today decided together that all Russian teams, whether national representative teams or club teams, shall be suspended from participation in both FIFA and UEFA competitions until further notice.
“These decisions were adopted today by the Bureau of the FIFA Council and the Executive Committee of UEFA, respectively the highest decision-making bodies of both institutions on such urgent matters.
“Football is fully united here and in full solidarity with all the people affected in Ukraine. Both Presidents hope that the situation in Ukraine will improve significantly and rapidly so that football can again be a vector for unity and peace amongst people.”
The organisation had previously stated that Russia’s successor would be determined by a draw, but the spot has now been granted to Portugal.
Russia qualified for the tournament by defeating Portugal in a play-off, but the Selecço das Quinas will now take their place in Group C alongside the Netherlands, Sweden, and Switzerland.
The tournament kicks off on July 6 at Old Trafford, when England takes on Austria.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
