Isolating Russia from international soccer matches is necessary

Alonzo Ramirez Navarro, Editorialist

The Russian invasion of Ukraine has already seen many devastating consequences and they will not stop anytime soon. Russia has already been imposed with sanctions by other countries around the world. On top of this, Russia has been banned from international soccer, including the World Cup qualifiers. This can be controversial because of course, the players are not responsible for the war their country has started. It may be controversial but in times like this it seems very reasonable for FIFA and the UEFA to make this decision.

Soccer is not more important than war, but Russia will be affected by this recent ban. This will deliver a financial blow to the country since soccer is one of the biggest sports in the world, especially in Europe. The players will be affected because at the end of the day it is their job and they have no say in this ban. Is this fair to the players? Or should the international team be allowed to play soccer? I believe FIFA has absolutely made the correct decision. No one wants to see them be represented in anything , anytime soon. As for the players, it may not be fair to them since they have no choice. But at this point it does not matter what is fair and what is not.

Other international teams have also refused to play any team from Russia. International teams like Poland, Sweden and the Czech Republic are some of the first to refuse to play against Russia. Absolutely no one wants anything to do with this country because of their president’s decision to invade. Being banned from potentially playing in The World Cup will also be devastating to Russian fans. The World Cup is one of the biggest sports events in history and it is set to begin November 21 in Qatar. I believe this absolutely necessary and of course change needs to be seen soon.