🌍 The Russian invasion of Ukraine has shook the sporting world - Updates & Discussion

[Jay]

@Goodness

Thomas Tuchel admits talk about Roman Abramovich’s ownership is distracting Chelsea’s players

Thomas Tuchel has said he understands criticism directed towards Chelsea in response to the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine.

After Russian troops crossed the border into Ukraine on Tuesday, Labour MP Chris Bryant told the House of Commons Chelsea owner and Russian-Israeli billionaire Roman Abramovich should have his assets seized, questioned whether he should be allowed to operate a football club himself, and quoted a leaked government document suggesting he should not be allowed to be based in the UK.

[Goodness]

Manchester United and Watford come together to ask for peace in Ukraine

[Goodness]

After scoring against Brighton, Aston Villa’s Matty Cash unveiled a message in support of Poland team-mate Tomasz Kedziora, who is currently in Ukraine.

He was booked for taking his shirt off.

[Samuel]

Sweden’s football federation joins Poland in refusing to play against Russia if they are required to meet them in 2022 World Cup playoffs

[Samuel]

Hoffenheim supporters’ message during their game against Stuttgart:

[Goodness]

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has given trustees of Chelsea’s charitable foundation the ‘stewardship and care’ of the club.

[Goodness]

Official statement by Roman Abramovich #CFC

“I am today giving trustees of Chelsea’s charitable Foundation the stewardship and care of Chelsea FC.
I believe that currently they are in the best position to look after the interests of the Club, players, staff, and fans”.

[Goodness]

BREAKING: Poland Captain, Robert Lewandowski says it is the ‘right decision’ for Poland’s Football Team to refuse playing against Russia.

“It is the right decision. I can’t imagine playing a match with the Russian National Team in a situation when armed aggression in Ukraine continues. Russian footballers and fans are not responsible for this, but we can’t pretend that nothing is happening.”

[Goodness]

West Ham warmed up with ‘Yarmolenko’ on their training kits in support of their Ukrainian teammate

Andriy Yarmolenko was given time off by the club following Russia’s invasion of his country.

[Samuel]

The message before PSG vs. Saint-Etienne:

[Samuel]

Wojciech Szczęsny says that he will not play against Russia when Poland face them in World Cup qualifying next month.

[Goodness]

FIFA has ordered Russia to complete their upcoming matches without their flag, anthem or fans, with games played in neutral territories.

[Goodness]

Schalke confirm they have ended their partnership with Russian state-controlled sponsor Gazprom after previously removing its name from their shirts.

[Saket]

Other Major sporting fallouts

• Five World Cup skiing events that were scheduled to be held in Russia this weekend and next month have been cancelled by the International Ski Federation (FIS) and are likely to held at some other venue.

• The World Curling Federation Board stripped the Russian city of Perm of the European Curling Championships, which were scheduled for May, in an emergency meeting.

• The Board of European Aquatics has postponed women’s water polo Euro League quarter-final game, which was scheduled to be held in Russia.

• The global governing body for swimming, FINA has also called off men’s water polo World League match that was scheduled to be held in St. Petersburg next month.

• An Artistic Swimming and Diving World Series event that was scheduled to be held in Kazan in April has also been cancelled.

[Jay]

A remarkable moment at Benfica

Ukrainian international Roman Yaremchuk is substituted on for Benfica and handed the captain’s armband by Jan Vertonghen.

The entire stadium rises as Yaremchuk is moved to tears.

Benfica x Vitória SC: A emoção de Yaremchuk

[Jay]

Czech Republic refuse to play Russia in World Cup play-off

The Czech Republic FA have said its national team will not play Russia should both teams meet in the World Cup play-offs.

Russia are scheduled to play Poland on March 24 in Moscow, with the winner of that slated to play Czech Republic or Sweden on March 29 for the chance to reach the finals in Qatar.

Both Poland and Sweden confirmed on Saturday that they also would refuse to play Russia.

[Jay]

Open letter sent from Ukrainian Olympians to the IOC

They ask for Russian and Belarusian athletes to be banned from international sport, including the upcoming Winter Paralympic Games in Beijing.

[Goodness]

UEFA are set to disqualify Spartak Moscow from the Europa League and RB Leipzig will automatically go through to the quarter-finals.

The decision will be made official today.

(Source: BILD)

[Goodness]

A few days after removing Russian sponsor Gazprom from their shirts, German club Schalke have officially ended their lucrative sponsorship deal with the energy giant.

[Goodness]

FIFA and UEFA have suspended Russian clubs and national teams from all competitions.