Premier League suspends agreement with Russian network | football news

LONDON: The Premier League announced on Tuesday that it was suspending its deal with its Russian broadcast partner following the invasion of Ukraine.
The decision was made at a shareholders’ meeting in London, where all 20 clubs agreed.
In a separate move, the Football Association has also suspended its deal with Russia, meaning this month’s FA Cup quarter-final will not be broadcast as long as the English Football League has withdrawn broadcast access in the country.
The Premier League said it would also donate £1 million ($1.3 million) to support people affected by the war 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,” said a statement issued by the top flight. England.
“The league strongly condemns Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. We call for peace and our thoughts are with all those affected.”
The £1 million donation will be made to the Disaster Emergency Committee (DEC) to deliver humanitarian aid directly to those in need.”
Clubs and fans showed their support for Ukraine during the weekend’s matches in the Premier League.
All club captains wore special armbands and fans joined the players, coaches, referees and club staff in a moment of reflection and solidarity before the start of each match.
Large screens showed “Football Stands Together” against the backdrop of the blue and yellow colors of the Ukrainian flag.
Chinese rights holders withdrew their coverage of those matches in anticipation of the show of solidarity with Ukraine.
Beijing has been following a cautious diplomatic line in the conflict, refusing to condemn the actions of its close partner Moscow.
The Football Association has also suspended its partnership with Russian Match broadcasters for FA Cup rights with immediate effect, the PA news agency reported.
EFL matches or club content will no longer be available in Russia after EFL bosses stopped access to iFollow and other streaming services.
A statement read: “Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the subsequent humanitarian crisis unfolding in the region, the EFL has suspended the broadcast of its matches in the Russian Federation.
“Access to the EFL’s iFollow service and other club streaming services have also been withdrawn in the territory.”
The British government backed the Premier League’s decision and Sports Minister Nigel Huddleston said sport must play its part in response to Putin’s “barbaric” actions.
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 and senseless invasion of Ukraine.”
“Russia cannot be allowed to legitimize its illegal war through sport and culture.”
Scotland’s World Cup play-off semi-final against Ukraine, scheduled for March 24 in Glasgow, has reportedly been postponed following a request from Ukraine.