Ukraine: UEFA To Suspend Russian Teams

European football governing body, UEFA is set to suspend Russian teams from all competitions.

The hurting decision is to serve as capital punishment over the invasion of Ukraine by the Russian army following President Vladimir Putin’s order, Naija News understands.

German sports agency, SID reports on Monday that the first Russian team to be affected by the ban would be Spartak Moscow, which is gearing up to face RB Leipzig away in a Europa League last 16, first-leg tie on March 10.

Also, the Russian women’s national team would be excluded from the European Championship due to being hosted by England this July.

Naija News understands that many nations of the world have turned their back on Russia over the ongoing war, and the UEFA move has also received support from several national federations, including the powerful German and English associations.

“I can’t imagine that there will be matches against Russia. There cannot, and must not be,” Peter Peters, a candidate for the German FA presidency, told SID.

“It is about war. You have to take a clear stance on that.”

In another news, Chelsea goalkeeper, Kepa Arrizabalaga has reacted to the penalty loss which handed Liverpool the Carabao Cup trophy for this season on Sunday.

Kepa who didn’t start the match was brought in to replace Edouard Mendy in the final minutes of extra time as it was sure the game was heading to penalty kicks.

However, the 27-year-old Spaniard blazed his effort totally over the bar to give Liverpool the win in the keenly contested and highly-emotional game.

Speaking after the game, the keeper took to his Twitter account where he expressed disappointment and apologized to the fans but promised to keep working.

He said he is “disappointed but will keep working”.

“To fall and rise. Disappointed after a big effort during the tournament. We keep working.

“Thanks, @ChelseaFC family for your support,” Kepa tweeted.