MOSCOW, September 27 Latvian national teams will not play against the Russians teams in international tournaments, according to the website of the Latvian Football Federation (LFF).
«LFF confirms that Latvian football teams at all levels will not play against Russian teams, regardless of the venue and the form of representation of Russian athletes,» the organization said in a statement.
On September 26, the Executive Committee of the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) allowed Russian teams of players under 17 years of age to participate in international tournaments. It is expected that women's and men's teams will play their matches without the flag, anthem and not on the territory of the Russian Federation. The suspension of adult Russian teams will remain in effect until the end of the conflict in Ukraine. The Times, citing a corresponding statement from the Football Association of England, reported that the country's junior teams will refuse to play with their peers from Russia. The Ukrainian Football Association on its official website called for a boycott of matches involving Russian teams. The President of the Polish Football Union (PZPN), Cezary Kulesza, also announced his refusal to play against the Russians.
«»The LFF confirms that it has been and will remain united with Ukraine and its Ukrainian counterparts in all decisions arising therefrom. The LFF also fully respects and complies with the procedures established by Latvian legislation regarding the conduct of such games or restrictions on the placement of such sports teams on territory of Latvia,» the statement says.
The International Football Federation (FIFA) and UEFA published a joint statement in February 2022, according to which Russian national teams and clubs are suspended from participation in international competitions for an indefinite period due to the events in Ukraine. In total, after the sanctions began, the Russian national team played eight friendly matches.