France calls for the expulsion of Russia from 2022 World Cup

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Russia should be expelled from the 2022 World Cup after invading Ukraine, French Football Federation President Noel Le Graet told Le Parisien newspaper on Sunday.

"The world of sport, and especially football, cannot remain neutral. I certainly would not oppose the expulsion of Russia," raged Le Graet.

Poland, Sweden, and the Czech Republic have all refused to play Russia in the upcoming World Cup playoffs following the Russian operation in the Donbass region.

France were crowned world champions in 2018 after beating Croatia in the final in Moscow.

However, on Thursday FIFA president Gianni Infantino refused to take a decision regarding the play-offs when he held a press conference hours after the Russian operation began.

He said "FIFA condemns the use of force" adding he was "shocked" by what he had seen but would not be rushed into a decision over moving the matches.

"The first match is in a month, we hope of course that this situation will be resolved well before then," he expressed.

UEFA strips Russia from hosting Champions League final

European football's governing body UEFA punished Russia on Friday by stripping Saint Petersburg of hosting the Champions League final on May 28 and awarding it to Paris.

UEFA also announced that Russian and Ukrainian clubs and national teams competing in international competitions must play home matches at neutral venues "until further notice."

Gazprom renewed the contract in May 2021 to run to 2024. The deal to sponsor the Champions League is worth a reported 40 million euros ($45 million) a year. 

UEFA's decision was quickly followed by Formula One announcing they were canceling this year's Russian Grand Prix that was supposed to be held in Sochi on March 25.