On Monday evening, FIFA and UEFA announced that Russia has been kicked out of the World Cup and banned from playing international football games “until further notice”.
“FIFA and UEFA have today decided together that all Russian teams, whether national representative teams or club teams, shall be suspended from participation in both FIFA and UEFA competitions until further notice,” said the governing bodies of world and European football.
European football’s governing body has also discontinued its association with Russian energy company Gazprom.
According to News24, “FIFA announced on Sunday that Russian teams would be allowed to continue playing under the name of the Football Union of Russia, playing home games on neutral territory and behind closed doors, and with the Russian flag and anthem banned.”
In a separate statement, the Russian Football Union rejected the suspension, saying it was discriminatory. The statement read:
“It has an obvious discriminatory character and harms a huge number of athletes, coaches, employees of clubs and national teams, and most importantly, millions of Russian and foreign fans, whose interests international sports organisations must protect in the first place.”
In entertainment news, Rikhado Makhado, professionally known as Riky Rick will be laid to rest in a private ceremony today. The late rapper, entrepreneur and fashion designer died tragically last Wednesday in Johannesburg.
Riky Rick’s unexpected death has shaken the country to its core. His death also sparked a conversation about the growing concern of mental illnesses, especially for men.
The ceremony will be live-streamed at 10h30. Watch the full ceremony here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H172okxXeao
Here are the top trending stories of the day.
Headline: Russia dumped out of all international soccer as FIFA confirms blanket suspension – News24
Headline: WATCH | Farewell Riky Rick | Remembering the fallen star – EWN
Headline: The trouble with men – Times Live
Headline: ANALYSIS | Why the idea of a ‘neutral’ Ukraine is a non-starter in peace talks – News24
Headline: Climate change is hitting Africa’s staple crops, increasing parasites – Fin24
Headline: Proteas complete epic comeback in NZ with crushing win in 2nd Test, series drawn – News24
Headline: New boss Jesse Marsch confident he can win over Leeds’ fanbase – The Independent
Headline: Has ‘The Queen’ on Mzansi Magic been cancelled? – The Citizen
Image credit: Instagram/Riky Rick
