Off the Pitch

Lewandowski And Polish National Team Say They Will Refuse To Play World Cup Qualifier Vs. Russia

WARSAW — Poland and Sweden said they would not play their soccer World Cup qualifiers against Russia in March, following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the governing bodies of both national teams said on Saturday.

The playoff matches are set to be held in March to fill a slot for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, and several Poland players including captain Robert Lewandowski backed the decision with statements on social media.

Should Russia Be Banned From The World Cup? There’s Historical Precedent

This week, Russia initiated an unprovoked invasion of Ukraine, the largest attack on a European nation since World War II. Amid global condemnation of the needless aggression and as Vladimir Putin turns his country into an international pariah, sports organizations have quickly moved to strip Russia of major events. While soccer isn’t the primary concern in Eastern Europe right now, many in the footballing world are wondering: Will FIFA ban Russia from the World Cup? Can UEFA kick Russian clubs out of its competitions?

Complete Roundup Of How Russia’s Invasion Of Ukraine Is Impacting The Soccer World

Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine on Thursday has brought harsh criticism from the soccer community and could have major ramifications. Russia launched the largest attack on a European country since the second World War with its attacks on Ukraine. This article will aim to cover how the Russia Ukraine conflict will affect soccer. If you want a full recap of what happened in Ukraine, you can find that here.

UEFA Moves Champions League Final Out Of Russia, Into France

UEFA moved this year's Champions League final from St. Petersburg to Paris in the wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, European soccer's governing body said in a statement on Friday.

UEFA also said the home games of Ukrainian and Russian club and national teams competing in UEFA competitions would be played at neutral venues "until further notice."

Tea Time With David Episode 12

The18's David Moore breaks down the week in soccer while sipping on some tea.

Episode 12 Topics include: an American Wins the World Cup, Messi Misses A Penalty, and the Laws of Physics are Broken

Benfica’s Ukrainian Striker Yaremchuk Scores Equalizer Vs. Ajax, Sends Middle Finger To Putin

A Roman Yaremchuk Ukraine shirt celebration during Benfica’s 2-2 draw with Ajax in the Champions League caught the attention of fans on Wednesday. With Yaremchuk’s side trailing, the 26-year-old striker was able to bundle in a rebound in the 72nd minute to tie the game. He celebrated the goal appropriately.

Yaremchuk Ukraine Shirt Celebration

Hope Solo Attacks Alex Morgan, Megan Rapinoe Over USWNT Settlement

Hope Solo had some choice words for Alex Morgan and Megan Rapinoe on Wednesday. The former U.S. goalkeeper used a Twitter thread to blast the USWNT players for Tuesday’s landmark settlement with the U.S. Soccer Federation, saying it was “an easy out of a fight they were never really in.” It highlighted the divide in opinion over whether the settlement was good or bad for women’s soccer in the U.S.

Romania’s FCSB Denies Owner’s Suggestion To Not Play Vaccinated Players

Romanian side FCSB, formerly known as Steaua Bucharest, will not drop players who have received the Covid-19 vaccine after their owner Gigi Becali suggested they would no longer be selected, the club said on Wednesday.

Becali, the flamboyant owner of the club, told Romanian TV channel Pro X that vaccinated players would not be allowed to play as they are weaker. However, the club said that would not be the case, adding that Becali was only joking.

Neymar Unleashes His Obsessive Love For Batman During The New Cape Crusader's Movie Premiere

It's rare to spot a soccer star in fan mode, but on Monday night, Neymar looked like a child fulfilling his biggest dream during the international premiere of "The Batman." PSG's maestro was THE special guest at the event held in Paris and had the chance to snatch some pictures alongside Robert Pattinson (Batman) and Zoë Kravitz (Catwoman), the two main stars in the movie.

"The Bat, the Cat, and @neymarjr are kicking into high gear in the Batmobile," posted the official account of the film, showing Neymar's joy.

USWNT Players Trump Sexism, Win Battle For Equal Pay

For decades, U.S. women’s national team players have fought for equal pay for equal work. From trailblazers like the beloved 1999ers to the divisive 2019 World Cup winners, USWNT players have long battled to receive pay commensurate to their worth. 

The U.S. women have won their fight for equal pay. 

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