2022 World Cup in Limbo After FIFA Refused to Kick Russia out Of Tournament Over Ukraine Invasion

• FIFA chief Gianni Infantino is under immense pressure to disqualify Russia from the 2022 World Cup over the country's invasion of Ukraine
• A number of football federations including Poland, and Sweden have vowed they will not play Russia in their World Cup play-offs
• The move is projected to plunge the 2022 World Cup finals scheduled for November in Qatar into uncertainty
• FIFA has already allowed Russia to continue their preparations for the global football extravaganza, with their home matches to be played at neutral venues

The 2022 World Cup is at risk of collapse after the world football governing body, FIFA, refused to disqualify Russia from the competition over the Ukraine invasion.

The Football Association has already made it clear England will not play Russia at any level of football.

Poland, Sweden, and the Czech Republic are the other countries that have ruled out facing Russia in the World Cup play-offs set for March.

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It was initially expected such moves could force FIFA to take a drastic decision on Russia over the country's decision to attack Ukraine.

FIFA refuses to disqualify Russia

However, FIFA decided against booting out the European football giant, allowing them to continue participation in the World Cup playoffs.

Russia are now scheduled to compete in the play-offs at neutral venues.

Be that as it may, they have been granted that opportunity with a number of restrictions - including not playing but with the national anthem, flag or fans.

“No international competition shall be played on the territory of Russia, with ‘home’ matches being played on neutral territory and without spectators," a FIFA statement said in part.

Russia World Cup schedule

Meanwhile, Russia are due for a showdown with Poland in a play-off semi-final in Moscow later in March.

The winner of that fixture was set to play the play-off final in Warsaw or the Russian capital against either Czech Republic or Sweden.

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The Sun reports if the Czech Republic, Poland and Sweden make good their threat to pull out of the play-offs, Russia might be denied a chance to play in the World Cup finals set for November.

Ex-Arsenal star joins Ukraine fight

Earlier, Sports Brief reported Oleg Luzhny was planning to make a return to England to kick-start his coaching career when war broke out in Ukraine.

According to the 53-year-old former player, he has since resolved to put his plans on hold "to fight for my people."

Luzhny further condemned the Ukraine invasion by Russia, exuding hope the crisis will be over soon.