Confirmed: Russia banned from Euro 2024 over Ukraine invasion

Football governing bodies continue banning Russian teams from international tournaments.

Russia will not participate in Euro 2024 after UEFA extended their expulsion from the tournament’s qualifying games.

European football’s governing body initially banned Russia in the wake of the Ukraine invasion in February. The action was in line with FIFA’s decision to exclude Russia from the World Cup 2022 qualifiers.

Earlier this week, the Russian football authorities asked UEFA to take action against Ukraine boss Oleksandr Petrakov for his recent comments about the war.

“I thought, if they come to Kyiv, I will pick up a weapon and defend my city,” he told The Guardian. “I am 64. But I felt it was normal to do this, I think I could take two or three enemies out.”

Ukrainian politician Andriy Pavelko, who is a member of the UEFA Executive Committee, has responded to Russian authorities by confirming their national team’s ban from Euro 2024.

“The Russian hysterics about the head coach of the national team of Ukraine Oleksandr Petrakov is not worth the slightest attention. Because their ill-mannered complaint has long been considered by UEFA,” he wrote on Facebook.

“Of course, there is no decision about suspension and there could not have been. There was a warning and a minor fine that the Ukraine FA will pay.

“So in vain, the Russians are trying now – on the eve of an important match of the Ukrainian national team – to distract us from preparing for the game. Everyone is as focused as possible on this and preparing to support our boys.”

“P.S. At the same time, the Russians just have nothing to prepare for. As demanded, Russia will not be in the draw on October 9 in Frankfurt. And at least until 2024, they won’t participate in official international football competitions! Euro 2024 will not include an aggressor country! Glory to Ukraine!”