WOMEN'S WORLD CUP 2023
Why isn’t Russia playing in the Women’s World Cup 2023?
We’re edging ever closer to the huge tournament in Australia and New Zealand, but not everyone was invited to join in.
As the anticipation builds for the 2023 Women’s World Cup, one notable absence casts a shadow over the tournament: Russia. With just a week remaining before the kickoff, fans and experts alike are preparing their notes on the nations and players that will be involved, but the reasons behind Russia’s exclusion have long been known.
UEFA remove Russia from qualifiers
The decision to ban Russia from participating in the event was made by UEFA, the governing body of European soccer. This move came in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which resulted in severe political and diplomatic consequences for the nation. The decision has raised questions with some confused Russians back home, who have been fed propoganda over the reasons behind the war that has continued since February 2022.
Russia’s absence from the tournament is a blow not only to the nation’s team but, some would argue, also to the competition as a whole. The team had previously showcased its talent and skills on the international stage, and are ranked above some of those teams heading Down Under. But the disappointed players have only one person to blame.
Who replaced Russia at 2023 Women’s World Cup?
Initially, from a competitive standpoint, the absence of the Russian team created a void in Group C, where they were initially scheduled to compete alongside the Netherlands, Sweden, and Switzerland for qualification. Once the decision was made, it was Portugal who stepped in to replace them, as it was they who had lost to Russia in the qualifying play-offs.
As well as the disappointment for those associated with the team for this summer’s FIFA event, UEFA’s decision also barred Russia from hosting the men’s Euros in 2028 and 2032, a significant blow to Russia’s aspirations to shine on the global stage.
Beyond the international tournaments, Russian clubs were also kicked out of UEFA’s prestigious club competitions, including the Champions League, Europa League, and Europa Conference League.