Governing Bodies
Poland FA blast FIFA over Russia!
Poland have insisted they will not play Russia in a FIFA World Cup qualifying match next month, even after it was announced that the fixture would be moved to a neutral venue.
FIFA announced that it had taken “immediate first measures” against Russia following the invasion of Ukraine including a ban on the country hosting international football matches, but the Polish Football Association (PZPN) has insisted it needs to go further and ban the country from this year’s men’s World Cup.
FIFA has also banned the Russian name, flag and anthem from all matches, with the country’s teams to compete under the Football Union of Russia (RFU) banner.
The measures were approved unanimously by the Bureau of the FIFA Council, and apply “until further notice”.
The International Federation said these sanctions are in line with those recommended by the international Olympic Committee (IOC), which has called on Russia – as well as its ally Belarus – to be stripped of all events which have not already been moved and for both countries’ flags and anthems to be banned.
Russia had been due to host a crucial FIFA World Cup qualifier against Poland on March 24, with the winner of the tie facing either Sweden or Czech Republic at home five days later for a place at the tournament in Qatar.
However, the PZPN believes FIFA’s sanctions do not go far enough, and has reiterated its refusal to play any match against Russia.
“Today’s FIFA decision is totally unacceptable,” the PZPN President Cezary Kulesza wrote on Twitter.
“We are not interested in participating in this game of appearances.
“Our stance remains intact: Polish National Team will not play with Russia, no matter what the name of the team is.”
The PZPN has also insisted that FIFA must expel Russia from the World Cup.
“A performance in a match against the Russian national team would be a shameful act not just for our players but for the entire football community, contrary to solidarity with the Ukrainian nation,” a statement read.
“As [a] football association, we refuse to participate in playoff matches in which the Russian national team appears.
“At the same time, we call on the FIFA authorities to react immediately to the brutal violence that we observe daily on the territory of independent Ukraine.
“If FIFA’s Human Rights Policy is more than just words on a paper now is the time to put it into practice by excluding the Russian Football Association from the qualifiers for the World Cup in Qatar in 2022.”
Swedish Football Association President Karl-Erik Nilsson said that it too will maintain its stance on refusing to face Russia.
“It [the FIFA decision] was not at all what we had hoped for,” Nilsson said, as reported by Aftonbladet.
“Our opinion is not different today and the situation has not changed in Ukraine just because we have received this message from FIFA.”
Earlier today, the Football Association of the Czech Republic joined its Polish and Swedish counterparts in refusing to play Russia in the playoffs at any venue.
Under the sanctions, Russia’s home matches are to be played behind closed doors at a neutral venue, but FIFA said it “has taken good note of the positions expressed via social media” by all three bodies and “has already engaged in dialogue” with the Member Associations in question.
It added that it “will remain in close contact to seek to find appropriate and acceptable solutions together”.
Russia hosted the last edition of the men’s FIFA World Cup in 2018, with its President Gianni Infantino awarded the Order of Friendship by the country’s President Vladimir Putin in 2019.
Infantino refused to answer questions on whether he would keep the honour following a meeting of the FIFA Council on Thursday.
Further sanctions have been promised “should the situation not be improving rapidly”, including excluding Russia from FIFA competitions altogether.
The Bureau of the FIFA Council “remains on standby to take any of these decisions”.
Any such measures will be determined following “ongoing dialogue with the IOC, UEFA and other sport organisations”.
FIFA also said it is holding ongoing discussions with the Ukrainian Association of Football to address its concerns.
“First and foremost, FIFA would like to reiterate its condemnation of the use of force by Russia in its invasion of Ukraine,” the International Federation commented.
“Violence is never a solution and FIFA expresses its deepest solidarity to all people affected by what is happening in Ukraine.
“FIFA calls again for the urgent restoration of peace and for constructive dialogue to commence immediately.
“FIFA remains in close contact with the Ukrainian Association of Football and members of the Ukrainian football community who have been requesting support to leave the country for as long as the current conflict persists.”
It added: “Importantly, FIFA strongly believes that the sport movement should be united in its decisions on this topic and that sport should continue being a vector of peace and hope.”
UEFA had moved the men’s Champions League final from Saint Petersburg to Paris on Friday (February 25) following Russia’s military offensive.
Hundreds have been killed in the conflict and many thousands more dispersed, with Russian forces entering Ukraine’s second city Kharkiv.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has imposed martial law and urged citizens to take up arms to fight the invasion.
-insidethegames
The FIFA Museum in Zurich has launched a new special exhibition titled Innovation in Action: Football Technologies on and off the Pitch, offering visitors an unprecedented glimpse into how innovation is transforming the world’s most popular sport.
Opened on Monday, October 1, 2025, the immersive showcase was developed in collaboration with the FIFA Innovation Team and other departments within world football’s governing body. It explores how cutting-edge technology supports players, referees, and fans—enhancing performance, ensuring fairness, and enriching the overall football experience—while preserving the game’s passion and human spirit.
“What makes this exhibition truly special is that we can give visitors a never-before-seen behind-the-scenes look that allows them to step inside football innovation, experiencing it hands-on rather than just reading about it,” said Marco Fazzone, Managing Director of the FIFA Museum. “We offer a glimpse at technologies and tools that fans don’t normally get to experience up close, while also showing how innovation has evolved over almost 100 years of FIFA World Cup history.”
Organised around five themed sections — Broadcasting & Media, Intelligent Data, Refereeing & Fair Play, Staging the Game, and the Innovation Lab — the exhibition blends rare artefacts with interactive displays. Visitors can relive football’s broadcast evolution, from the black-and-white footage of the 1954 World Cup to today’s ultra-slow motion 4K replays, and even step into a virtual referee booth to experience the pressures of officiating in real time.
Among the standout features is the FIFA Player App, which allows fans to explore Chelsea star Cole Palmer’s performance statistics from the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Final, illustrating how data helps players refine their craft.
Another exhibit showcases Canada goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan’s water bottle from the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 — marked with opponents’ penalty data — revealing how analytics influence critical moments.
Visitors can also view a referee body camera used at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, giving a fresh perspective on decision-making from the official’s point of view.
The exhibition invites visitors to engage directly with football technology. They can test their reflexes and judgment as referees, operate goal-line technology systems, or assume the role of a broadcast director managing live match feeds. Data enthusiasts can analyse player movements, while aspiring innovators can design their own football tech concepts inside the Innovation Lab.
Innovation in Action runs until 31 March 2026 at the FIFA Museum in Zurich. Entry is included with a standard museum ticket.
With its rich mix of storytelling, interactivity, and history, the exhibition promises to be a must-see experience for anyone passionate about the future of the beautiful game.
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
FIFA President Gianni Infantino said on Thursday that football could not solve conflicts, but it must carry a message of peace and unity as Israel’s military operation in Gaza and other global tensions fuel calls for the sport to take a stand.
“At FIFA, we are committed to using the power of football to bring people together in a divided world,” Infantino told a FIFA Council meeting in Zurich where he met Palestinian federation president Jibril Rajoub.
“Our thoughts are with those who are suffering in the many conflicts that exist around the world today, and the most important message that football can convey right now is one of peace and unity.”
Infantino said world football’s governing body could not solve geopolitical crises, but “it can and must promote football around the world by harnessing its unifying, educational, cultural and humanitarian values.”
“I met Palestinian Football Association (PFA) President Jibril Rajoub today at the Home of FIFA in Zurich to discuss the ongoing situation in the Middle East region,” Infantino later wrote on Instagram.
“I commend President Rajoub and the PFA for their resilience at this time and I reiterated to him FIFA’s commitment to using the power of football to bring people together in a divided world.”
FIFA has faced repeated calls to act over the war in Gaza, with Palestinian officials pressing for Israel to be suspended from international football.
The issue has been under review by FIFA for months, but no decision has been taken. Infantino has consistently said such matters require consensus with the confederations and must be handled with caution.
The comments came a day after FIFA Vice President Victor Montagliani noted that any decision over Israel’s participation in European competitions, including World Cup qualifiers, was a matter for UEFA to decide, effectively putting the onus on the European body.
“First and foremost, it (Israel) is a member of UEFA, no different than I have to deal with a member of my region for whatever reason… They have to deal with that,” Montagliani told reporters at the Leaders sports business conference on Wednesday.
Israel are third in Europe’s Group I of the qualifying stage for next year’s World Cup in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. Amnesty International on Wednesday sent a letter to FIFA and UEFA calling on them to suspend the Israel Football Association.
-Reuters
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has dismissed reports suggesting that its Statutes will be amended at this year’s Annual General Assembly (AGA), insisting that no such plans are on the table for the September 27 meeting.
In a statement, the Federation stressed that the ongoing conversation around its Statutes remains at a preliminary stage and that suggestions of imminent changes are unfounded.
Ahead of the AGA, the NFF will host a workshop on September 26, bringing together representatives of its members, as well as officials from FIFA and CAF. According to the Federation, the forum is strictly consultative, designed to deliberate on proposals for new Statutes in line with the principles of good governance and international best practices.
The NFF explained that only after consensus is reached with its members will a separate General Assembly be convened to formally consider and adopt any proposed Statute changes.
“The NFF remains committed to due process, transparency, and working hand-in-hand with its General Assembly Members, FIFA, and CAF,” the statement read.
“The ultimate goal is to establish enduring Statutes that will strengthen governance, broaden representation, and promote inclusivity within Nigerian football.”
The Federation added that the long-term reform framework is aimed at ensuring stability and progress across its structures and enhancing the participation of all stakeholders in the country’s football administration.
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
- World Cup1 week ago
BREAKING: At last FIFA’s Axe falls on South Africa!
- World Cup1 week ago
South Africa to Appeal FIFA Ruling Over Mokoena Eligibility Case
- Nigerian Football1 week ago
Super Eagles Set for Double Friendly Showdown with Venezuela and Colombia in USA
- World Cup6 days ago
FIFA Sanction on South Africa Offers Super Eagles a Lifeline — But a Lesson from History Looms
- World Cup1 week ago
Sport Minister Orders Probe into SAFA over Bafana’s Costly Points Deduction
- CAF Confederation Cup1 week ago
Asante Kotoko End Kwara United’s Confederation Cup Campaign in Abeokuta
- U-20 FOOTBALL1 week ago
Two penalty appeal lost as Flying Eagles stumble at first hurdle
- World Cup4 days ago
Super Eagles Walk Tightrope as Nine Key Players Risk Suspension in World Cup Qualifiers