Salford City co-owner Gary Neville has lashed out at FIFA for being slow to take action against Russia for invading Ukraine.
The high-profile sport pundit also criticised arrangements made by Chelsea’s Russian owner Roman Abramovich to distance himself from the club for fear of further sanctions.
FIFA finally announced yesterday that Russia would not be allowed to compete in any of their competitions at both club and international levels.
This decision came after they were heavily criticised for an initial stance which ruled Russia could fulfill their upcoming games but not be able to play in Russia.
Salford City co-owner Gary Neville was scathing in his review on Twitter.
He said: “What about FIFA? The most corrupt organisation in the sporting world for decades just can’t rid itself of dodge-pot leaders.”
What about Fifa? The most corrupt organisation in the sporting world for decades just can’t rid itself of dodge-pot leaders 🤬
— Gary Neville (@GNev2) February 28, 2022
Several nations including England, Northern Ireland, and Wales declared they would not play Russia at any level for the foreseeable future.
UEFA have also cut ties with Russian energy giant Gazprom.
Gazprom deal cancelled by UEFA and Russia suspended from all UEFA competitions
— Mark Ogden (@MarkOgden_) February 28, 2022
They released the following statement: “UEFA has today decided to end its partnership with Gazprom across all competitions.
“The decision is effective immediately and covers all existing agreements including the UEFA Champions League, UEFA national team competitions and UEFA EURO 2024.”
UEFA has today decided to end its partnership with Gazprom across all competitions.
The decision is effective immediately and covers all existing agreements including the UEFA Champions League, UEFA national team competitions and UEFA EURO 2024.
— UEFA (@UEFA) February 28, 2022
Neville was also critical of Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich’s decision to ‘step down’ from his role, handing over “stewardship and care” to the Chelsea foundation.
He said: “The trustees didn’t sign up to be used as a shield, They wanted to assist Chelsea’s efforts in the community. Poor from Abramovich and whoever was advising him.
“Don’t try and bluff us with some Trustee rubbish. He’s the sole owner of Chelsea and nothing changed with the statement he made.”
No . Say I own the club , I’m Russian and I’m proud of it. Don’t try and bluff us with some Trustee rubbish . He’s the sole owner of Chelsea and nothing changed with the statement he made . https://t.co/BkHiLzeRow
— Gary Neville (@GNev2) February 28, 2022
See also: Ukraine invasion: Salford councillor from Ukraine fears for family and country
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