Fifa Put Entire World Cup at Risk of SCAM as they refuse to knock Russia out of competition after Ukraine Invasion

FIFA threatened the entire World Cup by refusing to exclude Russia from the competition.

On a day when the FA ruled out England facing Russia at all levels, world football’s governing body refused to take them out of Qatar 2022.

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Instead, Fifa will allow them to play the playoffs at neutral venues called “Russian Football Federation” – but without the national anthem, flag or fans.

Fifa head Gianni Infantino is under pressure to force Russia to leave the World Cup following President Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine.

But Fifa stopped short of that, saying “additional sanctions” could include “potential disqualification from competitions”.

Early yesterday, Czech Republic joins Poland and Sweden by excluding the World Cup play-off against Russia in March.

Poland will have a match against Russia in the play-off semi-final in Moscow on March 24.

The winner of that game is set to play the play-off final in Warsaw or the Russian capital against Poland or Sweden.

If the Czech Republic, Poland and Sweden pull out of the play-offs, Russia could say goodbye to the World Cup finals in November.

Other countries are likely to join Britain in boycotting matches with Russia – putting the tournament at risk of being boycotted simultaneously.

Fifa said: “No international competition will be held on Russian territory, with home matches being played on neutral territory and without spectators.

“The member association representing Russia will participate in any competition under the name ‘Russian Football Federation (RFU)’ and not ‘Russia’.

“No Russian flag or anthem will be used in matches involving teams from the Russian Football Federation.”

Polish FA President Cezary Kulesza stressed: “Today’s decision by Fifa is completely unacceptable.

“We are not interested in participating in this appearance game.

“Our position remains the same: The Polish national team will not play against Russia, whatever the name of the team.”

Poland goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny says his “conscience” won’t let him play against Russia as he begs Fifa and Uefa to act.

The number one Juventus player, whose wife was born in Ukraine, said: “I refuse to stand on the pitch and listen to the Russian national anthem.

“I refuse to participate in a sporting event that legitimizes the actions of the Russian government.”

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Poland captain Robert Lewandowski added: “We cannot pretend nothing is happening.”

England’s FA said in a statement last night: “In solidarity with Ukraine and in its full condemnation of the atrocities committed by the Russian leadership, the FA can confirm that we will not be playing against Ukraine.” Russia in any international matches in the near future.

“This includes any potential match at any age level, age group or football.”