Germany, host of the 2024 European Football Championship, asked UEFA on Friday to exclude Belarus from the competition, due to its support for Russia in the military invasion of Ukraine, the country’s Interior Ministry announced.
In a letter sent to UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin, Interior Minister Nancy Faeser also called on UEFA to remove Russians and Belarusians from their posts on European football’s governing body.
Following the Russian military invasion of Ukraine on February 24, UEFA announced the exclusion of Russian clubs and national teams from the competitions it organizes.
The German minister understands that “Belarus, as a great supporter of Russia, is also violating international law and must be excluded from all competitions”, adding: “The world of sport must seize the moment to adopt a joint position in the fight against disrespect for human rights”.
The draw for the qualifying phase for the competition, which will take place in 10 German stadiums, is scheduled for October 9 in Frankfurt.
The military offensive launched on February 24 by Russia in Ukraine has already caused, according to the UN, almost 6,000 civilian deaths and more than 8,000 wounded.
However, the United Nations warns that the real number is likely to be much higher, since, for now, it is not possible to know all the victims in the cities of Ukraine.
Source: TSF
