THE IFA and FAI yesterday declared that none of their representative teams will participate in any games with Russia in light of the country's invasion of neighbouring Ukraine - while FIFA and UEFA banned its national and club teams from playing in their competitions until further notice.
There is growing unanimity among the sporting world that there should be no interaction with Russia unless Vladimir Putin halts the aggression on Ukraine.
The Republic of Ireland are scheduled to play Ukraine on June 4 (home) and 14 (away) in the UEFA Nations League with the away fixture to be staged at a neutral venue, while the IFA will not fulfil their U21 Euro Qualifier with Russia, set for March 29.
The FAI offered its "full and unequivocal support" to Ukraine's FA and as a mark of solidarity with the besieged nation, the Aviva Stadium was lit up in blue and yellow last night.
“In light of the current situation, I can confirm that we will not consider any international fixture against any Russian side, no matter what the level, until further notice,” said FAI chief Jonathan Hill.
President Gerry McAnaney added: “We have confirmed to our colleagues at the Ukraine Association of Football that the FAI stands firmly alongside them in light of this terrible situation.”
The Irish FA also voiced its support for Ukraine and that Northern Ireland would refuse to compete against Russian teams "for the foreseeable future".
In a statement, the IFA said: “On behalf of everyone connected to the Irish FA, and indeed the wider football family in Northern Ireland, we send a strong message of support to our friends in Ukraine during this period.”
