Milan Area B and Area C bans
Starting from 1 October 2022, the new bans for Area B and Area C will come into force which will prohibit access to Euro 2 petrol, Euro 4 and Euro 5 diesel. The decision was taken in recent weeks, following an extension decided on the occasion of the extension of the state of emergency for covid-19.The new bans, expected for next autumn, therefore prohibit access to Area B - the large ZTL of Milan - and to Area C - the area that corresponds to the circle of the Bastions -. However, the junta has decided to grant access to those who will install Move-In, a sort of black box that counts the kilometers traveled within the city.
More in detail, the bans concern transport vehicles persons:
Euro 2 petrol; Euro 3 and 4 diesel with standard DPF and V.5 field vehicle registration certificate ≤ 0.0045g / km; Euro 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 diesel with after-market FAP installed by 12/2018 and adjustment class on the registration certificate for the particulate mass equal to at least Euro 4; Euro 5 diesel. From next October, Euro 4 and 5 diesel vehicles and Euro 2 petrol-powered vehicles will be able to circulate in Area B, from 7.30 to 19.30, on weekdays from Monday to Friday, joining the integrated MoVe-In Area B project.
Until 30 September 2024, Euro 5 diesel engines with Move-In will be able to travel a maximum of 2 thousand kilometers per year within the boundaries of Area B, while Euro 4 will have to stop at 1,800. No limitations, at the moment, for the Euro 2 petrol which always in those time slots will have unlimited access. Still on the subject of emissions, the Government outlined the new eco-incentives with the relative bands dedicated to electric and hybrid cars; at the moment the regions have not spoken but we expect that Lombardy, as in the previous edition, will be able to make a small treasure available also to limit “polluting” accesses in restricted traffic areas.
The end of the health emergency is imminent - explained the councilor for mobility, Arianna Censi - and the entry into force of the rules, after the extension last September, requires adequate and prior communication. Furthermore, for consistency with the usual date of October 1st, which has always been referred to as the introduction of the new rules, it was decided - he concluded - to extend the bans envisaged for the Milan restricted traffic zones to the autumn.
Champions League and Europa League draws, Chelsea sale news – live!
1.31pm EDT 13:31
And there’s the final whistle on today’s weekend countdown. Thanks for reading and don’t forget to check out our live blog of tonight’s Premier League clash between Wolves and Leeds (8pm kick-off). Bye.
1.23pm EDT 13:23
Nottingham Forest v Liverpool team news and a funky stat.
Nottingham Forest will be without Scott McKenna for their FA Cup quarter-final against Liverpool. The defender limped off with a hamstring problem late in Wednesday’s victory over QPR and is expected to be sidelined for a month.
The news comes as a blow to Forest, who had already lost fellow defenders Steve Cook and Max Lowe. They will both miss at least a month with injuries picked up in the previous game against Reading last weekend.
Influential Liverpool full-back Trent Alexander-Arnold is out for a number of weeks with a hamstring injury.
Forward Mohamed Salah is still nursing a bruised foot which caused him some discomfort after coming off the bench in the midweek win over Arsenal and may be rested.
Goalkeeper Alisson Becker will start, having previously shared duties with Caoimhin Kelleher. (PA Media)
1.16pm EDT 13:16
Some Champions League draw reaction from a legend, a coach and a captain.
Ian Rush on Liverpool facing Benfica: “I’m just happy that we didn’t get an English team. To play Benfica is a good sign and also the second leg is at home as well.”
Bayern coach Julian Nagelsman on facing Villarreal: “Villarreal are the defending Europa League champions. They have a very experienced coach and team, and have a clearly-defined style of play. Beating Juventus 3-0 is no easy feat. We want to advance, but will first need to play and win.”
Atlético Madrid captain Koke on facing Manchester City: “They’re one of the favourites. Last season, they came very close to winning the Champions League. They have a great coach and players, and play great football, but we like that sort of challenge. I’m sure our coach will come up with a strong plan to get us through the tie, but we know that it won’t be easy.We have to go to Manchester first, and then we’ll come back to Madrid to play in front of our fans. I think that will give us a boost in terms of confidence and strength as we try to make it through.”
(Quotes from uefa.com)
12.56pm EDT 12:56
Fact of the day. Arguably better than Alan’s one about crab sticks.
* Barrow are the top scorers in the FA Cup this season with 10 goals, the same number as Manchester City and Chelsea.
12.50pm EDT 12:50
Palace v Everton. Vieira v Lampard. Patrick Vieira’s Crystal Palace v Frank Lampard’s Everton. Who blinks first in Sunday’s FA Cup quarter-final?
12.43pm EDT 12:43
Some pub ammo for Middlesbrough v Chelsea. Maybe avoid reading this if you’re a home fan. Or print it for Chris Wilder to stick on the dressing room wall. “Let’s re-write history lads.”
12.36pm EDT 12:36
Nice story here revealed by commentator Richard Kaufman.
Richard Kaufman (@KaufmanRichard)
6 years ago, Kristyna Napoleaova was playing for the Czech national FOOTBALL team and had played one round of golf as a 10 year old.Tomorrow she will be in the final group of an @letgolf event with @SolheimCupEuro players @Annevandam and @georgiahall96What an incredible story!
March 18, 202212.29pm EDT 12:29
All that talk of a Liverpool Quadruple, well what about a Manchester City treble? Here’s Jamie Jackson’s piece.
‘It’s possible’: Pep Guardiola on Manchester City’s push for Treble
12.22pm EDT 12:22
Middlesbrough boss Chris Wilder went full tiny violin emojis and sarcy pants when talking about FA Cup quarter-final opponents Chelsea earlier today.
Responding to speculation that the Blues may not be able to fly to Teesside for the match due to limits being placed on their spending, Wilder couldn’t resist a playful dig.
“They won’t make a long coach trip. They’ll be looking down the back of the settee this afternoon to see if they can find a couple of quid – I usually look at the golf bag, that’s where I keep a couple of quid just to keep it away from people – and chuck it into a pot to get up on the plane.
“What happens? The millionaire footballers all club together and chuck a couple of quid in and hire their own private jet. They’re all on possibly, over £100,000 a week – it’s quite a big number, that.”
You tell ‘em champ.
12.13pm EDT 12:13
FA Cup quarter-final: Crystal Palace v Everton. Team news for the first of Sunday’s three last-eight clashes (12.30pm).
Crystal Palace manager Patrick Vieira has no fresh injury concerns to contend with. Luka Milivojevic, Will Hughes and Martin Kelly missed Monday’s 0-0 draw with Premier League leaders Manchester City but are in contention this weekend.
Joel Ward was on the bench for that game after a period sidelined with a groin injury. Palace midfielder James McArthur and full-back Nathan Ferguson are not training.
Everton midfielder Allan starts a three-match suspension for his red card against Newcastle on Thursday, although the club have appealed the dismissal. Defender Jonjoe Kenny, however, returns from a one-match ban.
Goalkeeper Jordan Pickford remains absent with illness so Asmir Begovic will continue to deputise. January signings Donny Van De Beek, Dele Alli and Anwar El Ghazi are all cup-tied. (PA Media)
Updated at 12.30pm EDT
12.06pm EDT 12:06
Cheers Luke. Some Spurs v West Ham team news here.
Tottenham have no fresh injury concerns for the crunch London derby with West Ham. Spurs came through the midweek win at Brighton unscathed and Antonio Conte is likely to name an unchanged side.
Japhet Tanganga (knee) has been ruled out for the season, Oliver Skipp (groin) will return after the international break while Ryan Sessegnon (hamstring) is at least four weeks away from a return to training.
West Ham are still without Jarrod Bowen, Vladimir Coufal and Angelo Ogbonna. Bowen will be out until after the international break with a heel injury, Coufal has had groin surgery and Ogbonna is a long-term absentee with knee ligament damage. Boss David Moyes will check on Michael Antonio, who played 119 minutes against Sevilla despite needing a late fitness test. (PA Media)
12.00pm EDT 12:00
Scott Murray is here with today’s Fiver –
The Fiver | Liverpool and the eerie channelling of that 1981 spirit
And that is the lot from me today... I shall hand you back to my esteemed colleague David Tindall. Bye!
11.56am EDT 11:56
The Tottenham coach Antonio Conte has criticised his Arsenal counterpart Mikel Arteta for complaining about his side’s fixture list. Arteta criticised the Premier League for scheduling Arsenal to play against Liverpool on Wednesday night and then Aston Villa on Saturday lunchtime.
But Conte said the Spaniard had no right to complain given the Gunners called off the north London derby in January, despite having only one confirmed case of coronavirus. The Premier League changed the rules regarding fixture postponements in the wake of that incident.
Conte said: “Arteta should remember the game postponed. Tottenham-Arsenal. In general, I think my answer is enough. If someone wants to think about fair or unfair. [It was] postponed the game, Tottenham-Arsenal. I don’t forget this. And it’s not right to speak about fair or unfair.”
11.44am EDT 11:44
The Everton manager Frank Lampard hopes to have Allan’s red card rescinded but what he does not want is another apology from referees’ chief Mike Riley. It is only just over two weeks since Riley called Lampard and chairman Bill Kenwright to admit mistakes were made when VAR official Chris Kavanagh failed to advise referee Paul Tierney over a handball by Rodri which would have given Everton a chance of a late penalty equaliser against Manchester City.
Allan was sent off in the dramatic late win over Newcastle on Thursday night after Craig Pawson was advised to view the monitor and subsequently upgraded his yellow card to a red for the Brazilian’s tackle on Allan Saint-Maximin. Everton have lodged an appeal against that decision and even if it is unsuccessful they will then appeal against the severity of the three-match ban.
The tackle by Allan of Everton on Allan Saint-Maximin of Newcastle United for which he was shown a straight red card. Photograph: Paul Greenwood/REX/Shutterstock“It’s hard to say how hopeful we are,” said Lampard on the appeal. “We had a really bad decision against us which we had an apology for but apologies don’t mean points. There was nothing from that other than a ‘Thanks very much’. This one there is no need for an apology. It wasn’t a decision that should have been changed to a red card. It was very clear from my end. In the cold light of day that is not a red card and we don’t want to lose Allan for three games and now we are in their (an independent disciplinary panel) hands. With hindsight look at the decision and was it enough to warrant a red card? For me it wasn’t.” (PA Media)
11.30am EDT 11:30
A community of Chelsea fans say they have lodged a bid to buy around 10% of the club. The group is called ChelseaDAO (a Decentralised Autonomous Organisation) and they believe it should not require a billionaire to own the club.
11.29am EDT 11:29
Louise Taylor previews Middlesbrough v Chelsea in the FA Cup:
Middlesbrough v Chelsea: FA Cup quarter-final preview
11.28am EDT 11:28
Frank Lampard, it appears, broke his hand while celebrating Everton’s late winner against Newcastle last night.
“I think I’ve broken a bone in my hand,” he said. “After the goal I realised ... but for the three points we got, not a problem. I won’t complain too much.”
Frank Lampard and his broken hand. Photograph: Robbie Jay Barratt/AMA/Getty Images11.21am EDT 11:21
The Southampton head coach Ralph Hasenhüttl knows it will take a bit more than just refuelling his squad to get them back into top gear for Sunday’s FA Cup quarter-final against Manchester City. After a seven-match unbeaten run in all competitions, the Saints were handed a reality check with three straight Premier League defeats - including at home by Watford last weekend.
“In every game (we lost), something different was missing, but the fact is that we haven’t played on our highest level in all three games,” Hasenhüttl said. “The question should be more why we didn’t do it and then ‘what can we do to make it happen again?’ It is not like you speak about a car that you put some different fuel in and suddenly it runs better, you have to find the margins that were missing and then learn to reach this level which we had once again. This is something [we face] from the Premier League every week, that is clear.
“We had games where we couldn’t find our rhythm or where we have been stopped with different way of killing our rhythm. But Sunday will be a completely different game against a very good team. We have had games against them when we had 50% possession, which is outstanding, but we also had games where we had only 28% and we took a point, so everything is possible. We have shown in these two games (against City) this season that we are able to draw against them, but on Sunday we need to win.” (PA Media)
10.58am EDT 10:58
Pep Guardiola is relishing the “marvellous challenge” Manchester City face defending their Premier League title. The title race could be set for a thrilling climax after Liverpool cut City’s lead at the top to one point this week. Guardiola said: “It is what it is. In 14, 15 days, we will come back after the international break, then nine games. Everyone knows what we do. It is a marvellous challenge. We try to do it.”
City may be chasing glory in the Premier League and the Champions League but Guardiola has no concerns that intensity might drop for Sunday’s FA Cup quarter-final at Southampton. He said: “We play every game like it’s the last game of our lives. I know how difficult it will be away at Southampton but I trust a lot in my team, my players.” (PA Media)
Crystal Palace held Manchester City to a goalless draw on Monday. Photograph: MI News/NurPhoto/ShutterstockUpdated at 11.07am EDT
10.54am EDT 10:54
The latest entry in the race to buy Chelsea from Roman Abramovich for Chelsea is a joint bid by C&P Sports Group and Hana Financial Group. The C&P CEO, Catalina Kim, said: “We are preparing our bid. There has never been investment into a top-tier football club made by South Korean capital before. It is time for a change.”
10.42am EDT 10:42
Steven Gerrard has urged his Aston Villa players to use Saturday’s lunchtime clash with Arsenal to prove they can start competing with the top sides in the Premier League.
“The teams at the top are there for a reason,” Gerrard said. “It’s about consistency, they’ve recruited well, they’ve got experience and some have got managers who have been with them for some time. There’s a reality to where we’re at at the moment but that’s the area of the league we need to strive for, it’s where we want to be operating of course. I’m very much aware of the stats and those results but tomorrow gives us another opportunity to try to prove that when we’re at our best we can take points off the top teams and the teams that are above us.”
Steven Gerrard has a chat. Photograph: Neville Williams/Aston Villa FC/Getty ImagesArsenal have improved markedly under Mikel Arteta this season but the Spaniard, 39, was under pressure after they started the season with three straight league defeats. “Mikel has done a fantastic job and really found that consistency that Arsenal have been looking for so credit to him for that,” he said. “He’s come through a couple of periods where the pressure was on him and his team and you’ve got to give people at Arsenal credit for backing him.” (PA Media)
Updated at 10.46am EDT
10.36am EDT 10:36
“Delighted to get drawn against a ‘proper’ European club,” emails Leicester City fan Rich Hutson. “PSV may not be at the heights of the Van Nistelrooy/Robben/Van Bommel days but an away day against total football purists can never be a bad thing.”
10.34am EDT 10:34
A report from Serie A below from our friends at Reuters, with Stefano Pioli getting a bit philosophical:
AC Milan must take one game at a time and have their wits about them when they face relegation-threatened Cagliari on Saturday, coach Stefano Pioli said, as his side continue their quest for their first Serie A title since 2011. Milan, top on 63 points, are three points ahead of second-placed Napoli and four ahead of defending champions Internazionale, who are third with one game in hand.
“We must not put the cart before the horse. Virtually we are only one point ahead of Inter, perhaps Atalanta will lose a few points,” Pioli said on Friday. “The traps and obstacles are still many. There are still many games, if we think too far we lose our reality of the moment. And this must not happen. It’s tomorrow that counts. For the first four [teams in the league] the games are very open, every match is at the crossroads.”
While Cagliari are hovering above the relegation zone, Pioli stressed that they would make for difficult opponents, as Milan are looking to extend their unbeaten run in all competitions to 10.
“We know the difficulties. Cagliari have stopped Napoli,” he said. “[We] need a performance with intensity and quality, because Cagliari play very aggressive football.”
Updated at 10.34am EDT
10.25am EDT 10:25
PSV are currently second in the Eredivisie, two points behind Ajax, who were knocked out of the Champions League by Benfica this week. It’s a tricky draw for Leicester but definitely a winnable tie. And the reward would be a semi-final against Bodø/Glimt or Roma. Feel free to email me your reaction, Foxes fans.
10.16am EDT 10:16
Conference League quarter-final and semi-final drawQF1: Bodø/Glimt v RomaQF2: Feyenoord v Slavia PragueQF3: Marseille v PAOKQF4: Leicester City v PSV Eindhoven
SF1: Leicester City or PSV Eindhoven v Bodø/Glimt or RomaSF2: Feyenoord or Slavia Prague v Marseille or PAOK
The winners of semi-final 1 will be the ‘home’ team in the final, in Tirana on 25 May.
Updated at 10.19am EDT
10.12am EDT 10:12
QF1: Bodø/Glimt v Roma
They were in the same group, but the open draw means they’ll meet again. The group results in the group were 2-2 and 6-1 to Bodø/Glimt!
Updated at 10.14am EDT
10.08am EDT 10:08
I attended Leicester’s Europa League draw at home against Napoli last September. For one reason or another, that feels like a very long time ago. Anyway, the Foxes can still win European silverware this season, and that is not to be sniffed at.
Updated at 10.09am EDT
10.04am EDT 10:04
Key dates for the Conference League are as follows:
Quarter-finals
First legs: 7 AprilSecond legs: 14 April
Semi-finals
First legs: 28 AprilSecond legs: 5 May
Final
Wednesday 25 May
10.02am EDT 10:02
The teams:
Bodø/GlimtFeyenoordLeicester CityMarseillePAOKPSV EindhovenRomaSlavia Prague
10.01am EDT 10:01
Thanks David. Hello everyone. I’m logged into the Uefa website and ready to roll ... and the Conference League draw is starting now.
9.58am EDT 09:58
It’s coming up to 2pm which means two things. First, I’m handing the blog back to Luke McLaughlin. Second, it’s the Europa Conference League draw. Over to you Luke.
9.50am EDT 09:50
Former West Ham midfielder Joe Cole has given his thoughts to BT Sport on the Hammers being paired with Lyon in the Europa League quarter-finals.
“I’m absolutely delighted. It could have been the glamour tie against Barcelona, and I think Rangers got the plum tie with Braga.
“But I think Lyon are struggling in France. They’re not what they were, and with the carrot of a Barcelona semi-final it sets it up lovely.
“It’s a lovely place to go. Brilliant stadium, history, and the West Ham fans would be booking their trip already I would imagine.”
Lyon currently sit 10th in Ligue 1 although they’ve had a point deducted and are only two points behind sixth-placed Lille.
9.44am EDT 09:44
Here’s our full story of the Europa League draw.
Dates7 April: Quarter-finals, first legs14 April: Quarter-finals, second legs28 April: Semi-finals, first legs5 May: Semi-finals, second legs
West Ham face Lyon and Rangers draw Braga in Europa League quarter-finals
9.35am EDT 09:35
Champions League quarter-final dates have been confirmed for Liverpool and Manchester City. They sit either side of the Premier League showdown between the two title contenders.
Tuesday, 5 April: Benfica v Liverpool (8pm), Manchester City v Atlético Madrid (8pm).
Sunday, 10 April: Manchester City v Liverpool (4.30pm).
Wednesday, 13 April: Liverpool v Benfica (8pm), Atlético Madrid v Manchester City (8pm).
9.28am EDT 09:28
Back to domestic matters and Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel has responded to being linked with Manchester United.
What’s your reaction, Thomas? “There’s actually no reaction at all. Because do you feel me less committed to the club or less involved in the club in my situation? Absolutely not.
“I’ve said many times that I love to be here, that I love to work for Chelsea and that this club has everything that it needs to make me happy.
“And that’s why there’s no need. And we have plenty of reasons to stay in the moment here, and this is what we do.”
Tuchel was also asked about the next owners of Chelsea, whoever they shall be. Chelsea’s suitors have until end of business on Friday to submit bids after Roman Abramovich put the club up for sale.
“I’m absolutely not involved, zero. I’m informed from time to time, but we have a pretty tight schedule so I’m happy not to be informed of every little step and chance in the process.
“Because that gives me also the advantage to focus on football and the staff here, the environment I can influence, the 60 to 80 people here at Cobham.
“So of course I’m informed but not asked and it’s also not necessary, it’s not my job and not my role. Everybody hopes it will be completed quickly. And as I understand the hope is and we can trust this is maybe solved quicker than usual.
“But it makes not so much sense to reflect how it would change with the role of a new owner, because the new owner is not here, the ideas are not set out.
“We don’t know what’s coming, so let’s cross the river when we are at the bridge. And right now we are not at the bridge.”
Updated at 9.28am EDT
9.18am EDT 09:18
A reminder that we’re not done yet with pulling bits of paper out of little vending machine balls. Yep, at 2pm it’s only the Europa Conference League draw.
Meet the teams: Bodø/Glimt, Feyenoord, Leicester City, Marseille, PAOK, PSV Eindhoven, Roma, Slavia Prague.
9.10am EDT 09:10
A quick scan of the bookies after those two draws.
Champions League2/1 Man City, Liverpool3/1 Bayern Munich11/1 Chelsea12/1 Real Madrid25/1 Atlético Madrid80/1 Villarreal150/1 Benfica
In the Europa League, Barcelona are the 7/4 favourites, with West Ham 6/1 and Rangers 14/1.
9.03am EDT 09:03
A little surprised that Barcelona haven’t been in a UEFA Cup/Europa League final before never mind won it. Most of the other obvious teams (Real Madrid, Liverpool, Bayern, Man Utd, Juventus, Inter, Ajax) have lifted the trophy. Spain (8) and England (2) have won the last 10 editions of the tournament between them.
8.56am EDT 08:56
West Ham and Rangers will think they have very winnable ties there. Just awaiting the exact dates.
8.48am EDT 08:48
Europa League quarter-final and semi-final drawQF1: Leipzig v AtalantaQF2: Eintracht Frankfurt v BarcelonaQF3: West Ham v LyonQF4: Braga v Rangers
SF1: Leipzig or Atalanta v Braga or RangersSF2: West Ham or Lyon v Eintracht Frankfurt or Barcelona
The winners of SF2 will be the ‘home’ team in the final.
Updated at 8.54am EDT
8.42am EDT 08:42
Eintracht Frankfurt v Barcelona is the second quarter-final. The Germans are the only previous winners (1980).
8.39am EDT 08:39
Former Sevilla goalkeeper Andres Palop is doing the draw. Sevilla is host city for the final and Palop is a three-time winner of the Europa League. They’ve clearly thought this through.
8.34am EDT 08:34
Pedro Pinto is back, running us through the runners and riders. Could it be West Ham v Barcelona in the last eight?
8.27am EDT 08:27
Europa League draw coming up very soon.
On the official uefa.com website, they’re running a “Who will win?” poll. Barcelona (45%) clear but Rangers (21%) have just edged in front of West Ham (20%). Atalanta next (5%).
8.21am EDT 08:21
Liverpool v Benfica will surely be billed as this in both countries. A proud day for Carlisle United. Fun fact: I was once played in an U15s match against Steve Harkness’ old school. They beat us 9-0. They were good.
Will Unwin (@Will_Unwin)
The Steve Harkness derby https://t.co/FrOpGesXRg
March 18, 20228.11am EDT 08:11
Champions League draw: A look at the English club’s quarter-final opponents (from PA Media).
Real Madrid – Chelsea’s opponents
The Champions League holders take on the kings of the competition in the quarter-finals. Real Madrid have been crowned continental champions on a record 13 occasions, currently sit atop of LaLiga and secured this tie by knocking out star-studded Paris St Germain in stunning fashion. Having lost 1-0 in France and gone down further to another Kylian Mbappe goal in the second leg, Karim Benzema’s hat-trick secured a remarkable comeback and 3-2 aggregate triumph.
Atlético Madrid – Manchester City’s opponents
The three-time competition runners-up return to Manchester for a fascinating clash against Manchester City in the final eight. Diego Simeone’s men won LaLiga last season but have long since been out of the title race this time around, although they have picked up form of late and managed to knock out Manchester United in the last 16. Wily, well-drilled Atleti followed up a 1-1 first-leg draw in Spain by securing a 1-0 win at Old Trafford on Tuesday as the hosts were stifled.
Benfica – Liverpool’s opponents
Having surprisingly emerged from a group including Bayern Munich and Barcelona, caretaker boss Nelson Verissimo masterminded a memorable last-16 win against Ajax. The sides drew 2-2 in the first leg in Lisbon and Benfica dug deep in Amsterdam to eke out a 1-0 triumph through Darwin Nunez’s late header. The Uruguay international is the star of a side enjoying a fine Champions League run during a season when their Primeira Liga hopes are already over.
8.04am EDT 08:04
Thanks Luke. While we await that draw, it’s full steam ahead for coincidences and omens.
Memories of Howard Gayle, Ray Kennedy and Alan Kennedy. Liverpool also won the League Cup in 1981. It’s clearly in the stars.
The Anfield Wrap (@TheAnfieldWrap)
1981👀Semi Final: Beat BayernFinal: Liverpool 1-0 Real Madrid in Paris
March 18, 20228.00am EDT 08:00
My colleague David Tindall will be guiding you through the upcoming Europa League draw, and I’ll be back for more later today.
7.56am EDT 07:56
Russia’s participation in the World Cup in Qatar has almost certainly been ruled out after a move to delay their suspension while an appeal was heard was rejected. Football’s world governing body, Fifa, suspended the Russian federation from its competitions over the country’s invasion of Ukraine at the end of February.
Russia appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) and asked that the suspension be stayed pending the outcome of the appeal. However, CAS announced on Friday that the Russian request for a stay had been rejected and that the suspension remained in force. Russia were due to compete in the World Cup play-offs later this month, but with no date fixed for the appeal to be heard it would seem that they are out of contention for the finals. (PA Media)