Following the invasion of Ukraine, the Premier League started on Tuesday that it was suspending its relationship with its Russian broadcast partner. The decision was reached at a shareholders’ meeting in London, at which all 20 clubs agreed. The Football Association has also discontinued its agreement with Russia, which means the FA Cup quarter-finals will not be shown this month, and the English Football League has withheld broadcast access in the country.
The Premier League also announced that it would donate £1 million ($1.3 million) to help those affected by the conflict in Ukraine.
“The Premier League and its clubs today unanimously agreed to suspend our agreement with Russian broadcast partner Rambler (Okko Sport) with immediate effect and to donate £1 million to support the people of Ukraine,” a statement issued by England’s top-flight said.
“The league strongly condemns Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. We call for peace and our thoughts are with all those impacted.
The £1 million donations will be made to the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) to deliver humanitarian aid directly to those in need.”
Throughout the Premier League this weekend, clubs and fans expressed their support for Ukraine.
Fans joined players, managers, match officials, and club staff in a moment of meditation and togetherness before each match, with all club captains wearing special armbands.
“Football Stands Together” was shown on large screens against a backdrop of the Ukrainian flag’s blue and yellow colours.
In preparation for the show of support with Ukraine, Chinese rights holders suspended their coverage of certain matches.
On the diplomatic front, Beijing has taken a careful approach to the dispute, refusing to denounce the actions of its close ally Moscow.
According to the PA news agency, the Football Association has also halted its partnership with Russian broadcasters Match over FA Cup rights with immediate effect.
After the EFL cut off access to iFollow and other streaming platforms, matches and club material will no longer be available in Russia.
“Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the ensuing humanitarian crisis in the region, the EFL has banned the broadcast feeds of its matches in the Russian Federation,” the statement stated.
“In the territory, access to the EFL’s iFollow service and other club streaming services has also been revoked.”
The British government has backed the Premier League’s move, with sports minister Nigel Huddleston stating that sport must play a role in retaliating against Putin’s “barbaric” conduct.
He said: “This is absolutely the right thing to do and we fully support the Premier League’s decision to stop broadcasting matches in Russia in response to Putin’s barbaric, senseless invasion of Ukraine.
“Russia cannot be allowed to legitimise its illegal war through sport and culture.”
Following a request from Ukraine, Scotland’s World Cup play-off semi-final versus Ukraine, set for March 24 in Glasgow, has been postponed.
