Crystal Palace manager Patrick Vieira has added his voice to the growing sports personalities proffering solutions for the Ukraine-Russia war
Russia has come under international backlash in the wake of the country's invasion of neighbouring Ukraine
The football community has not remained silent on this subject matter as major actors of the game have used football's popularity to cause a possible turn of events in the crisis between the two neighbouring countries

Former footballer turned manager Patrick Vieira joined the world in trying to use the power and popularity of football to affect a peaceful conclusion between the Ukraine and Russia crisis.

Vieira, who currently manages English top-flight club Crystal Palace reckons the popularity of the sport can be used to ensure the crisis which is slowly generating to war is brought to an end.

The invasion by Russia to Ukraine has been widely condemned with president Vladimir Putin coming under serious scrutiny for what many has termed as 'cruel and inhumane.'

Manchester United's relationship with Russian sponsor in the balance amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine

Football

Despite the widespread condemnation, Russia has not relented with its troops taking possession of various regions in Ukraine.

When asked to comment on whether football can help to apply pressure to peacefully conclude the situation, Vieira told Crystal Palace media:

"I think it’s a sport in general [that can help]. Football is no different from other sports. If we can use the sport to influence one way or the other peace around the world then we should do it. Sport, and football, in particular, is really popular worldwide. Football is really important. If we can use that importance to bring peace between two countries, I think we have to do it."

"I think it is [powerful enough]. But you need leaders in sport to make the right decisions, to put the right kind of pressure on. I’m like you [everyone]. I hope that decision[s] will be positive because we all want peace and we don’t want to see the images we’ve been seeing lately." He ended.

Ghanaian footballer based in Ukraine cries for help amid Russia invasion

Football

FIFA takes action against Russia

The world’s football governing body FIFA has ordered sanctions on the Russian national football teams in the wake of the invasion of Ukraine, Daily Star reports.

Russia launched a full-scale war on the neighbouring country as airstrikes continue to rain, while troops continue to attack on the ground.

President Vladimir Putin has been condemned for the action and several countries are beginning to impose sanctions against the country.

Authors