Belarus barred from hosting international games, could be banned from competitions

UEFA and FIFA already suspended Russian national teams and clubs from official competitions due to the country's invasion of Ukraine, and the International Ice Hockey Federation suspended Russia and Belarus from participation in "every age category and in all IIHF competitions until further notice." This all stems from the crisis that includes Belarus reportedly serving as a launch point for Russian troops and equipment entering Ukraine. 

UEFA announced Thursday that "all Belarusian clubs and national teams competing in UEFA competitions will be required to play their home matches at neutral venues with immediate effect." Additionally, spectators are banned from attending games "in which the teams from Belarus feature as host."

The Associated Press (h/t ESPN) reports UEFA and FIFA could still come together at some point to expel Belarus entirely from European and international competitions. Belarus is eliminated from World Cup qualifying but scheduled to resume UEFA Nations League play against Slovakia on June 3. 

Also on Thursday, the Russian Football Union (RFU) announced it is appealing the suspension of the country's national teams and clubs to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. 

"The RFU will demand the restoration of all men's and women's national teams of Russia in all types of football in the tournaments in which they took part (including in the qualifying round of the World Cup in Qatar), as well as compensation for damage," the governing body explained in a released statement. 

Russia was scheduled to host Poland in a World Cup qualifying playoff on March 24 before Monday's development.