China pulling Premier League coverage this weekend over Ukraine support

As The Independent's Lawrence Ostlere explained, the English Premier League plans to show its support for Ukraine across fixtures held from Saturday through Monday amid Russia's invasion of the country. Club captains will sport armbands featuring the Ukrainian national colors of blue and yellow, and "a moment of reflection and solidarity" will be held "before kickoff at each game." 

Individuals in a different nation won't see such tributes. 

Per BBC's Dan Roan and Jacob Whitehead of The Athletic, among others, Chinese Premier League broadcast partner IQIYI Sports will not broadcast matches from March 5-7. China is a political ally of Russia and has criticized sanctions on the invading country.

"China and Russia will continue to carry out normal trade cooperation in the spirit of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said on Monday. 

Along with captains wearing special armbands, screens inside Premier League stadiums and venues will show "Football Stands Together" messages that will also feature the Ukrainian flag. 

"The Premier League and our clubs wholeheartedly reject Russia’s actions and will be showing support for the people of Ukraine at all matches this weekend," the English top-flight announced in a statement. "We call for peace and our thoughts are with all those who have been impacted. A show of solidarity for Ukraine will be visible at all Premier League matches from Saturday 5 to Monday 7 March." 

Earlier this week, EA Sports confirmed it was removing Russia’s national team and domestic league from editions of the "FIFA 22" video game following the decision from UEFA and FIFA to suspend Russian national teams and clubs from official competitions. The Russian Football Union announced Thursday it is appealing that ruling to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. 

UEFA also 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" after that nation has reportedly been used as a launch point for Russian personnel and equipment entering Ukraine. UEFA and FIFA could ultimately expel Belarus from tournaments.