Canada Soccer announces it won't compete against Russia at any level
Canada Soccer announced it will not compete at any level against the Russian Football Union following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
"In steadast support of Ukraine, its poeple and Ukrainian Canadians who represent the third largest Ukrainian population outside of Ukraine and Russia, Canada Soccer, its member asociations and clubs will not compete at any level against Russia until sovereignty and territorial integrity are restored," Canada Soccer said in a statment.
"We wholeheartedly condemn the hostile attack on Ukraine by Russia and stand united with Ukrainians here in Canada and around the globe."
Canada joins a growing list of nations that have announced a refusal to play against Russia, including a Polish national team that was scheduled to meet Russia in a key World Cup qualifier later this month. The Czech Republic and Sweden also announced they won't take the field against Russia in upcoming World Cup qualifiers.
The announcements follow an avalanche of sanctions handed down by FIFA, including a ban on international competitions taking place within Russia's borders. Soccer's governming body also revealed Russia's flag and national anthem will not be present at matches moving forward and the team will be reffered to as RFU.
Some reports have indicated FIFA is weighing an all out ban on Russia's national team.