The battle to qualify for Euro 2024 in Germany began in March 2023, as UEFA laid out the road to the next edition of the European Championships. All automatic qualifying places were decided in November 2023, with an additional three teams advancing via playoffs at the beginning of 2024.
However, not all 55 UEFA member nations were involved in the qualification process. Germany did not need to qualify as they secured an automatic place as hosts, while Russia, another UEFA country, did not compete for a place in the tournament next year due to the ban imposed by FIFA and UEFA in February 2022 following Russian president Vladimir Putin’s decision to invade Ukraine.
Russia, which had qualified for six of the previous seven European Championships, missed out on the tournament in Germany. There is no possibility of Russia making an appearance at Euro 2024.
The FIFA/UEFA ban came into immediate effect in February 2022, with Russian teams removed from all relevant competitions, at club and international level. Initially, FIFA had implemented restrictions on Russian teams, but following a consultation with the International Olympic Committee, the ban was upgraded to a full expulsion.
As a result of the ban, Russia’s subsequent place at the 2022/23 UEFA Nations League was canceled, and Valeri Karpin’s side was only eligible to play non-competitive friendlies, against nations who agreed to a fixture.
Since the ban, Russia played several friendly matches, including wins, draws, and losses. The ban has prevented the national team from participating in competitive fixtures. Despite the ban, Russia continues to play on, determined to maintain their presence in international football.
In summary, Russia’s absence from Euro 2024 is a result of the ban imposed by FIFA and UEFA in February 2022, and there is no indication of a modification or removal of the suspension. Despite this, Russia remains determined to compete in international friendlies as they await the end of the ban.
