The Aviva Stadium will light up in the colours of the Ukraine flag tonight as the FAI offer their ‘full and unequivocal’ support for Ukraine.
The Dublin 4 venue will turn blue and yellow at 7pm as venues and landscapes across the world make a simultaneous show of support for the under-siege nation.
No Irish team will play against Russia at any level until further notice, the association also revealed, in reaction to the country’s ongoing invasion of its neighbour.
FAI President Gerry McAnaney and CEO Jonathan Hill have been in contact with their counterparts in the Ukrainian FA to offer support and solidarity in recent days.
“In light of the current situation, I can confirm that we will not consider any international fixture against any Russian side, no matter what the level, until further notice,” said Hill.
Stephen Kenny’s senior men’s side face Ukraine twice in March as part of their UEFA Nations League campaign. The teams meet in Dublin on June 4th while the scheduled away game in Ukraine is now likely to take place at a neutral venue.
While no Irish team is scheduled to face a Russian side in the near future, the FAI have joined their British counterparts at the English, Scottish and Wales FAs in taking the uncompromising stance.
Poland, who were due to face Russia in a World Cup play-off semi-final next month, and potential final opponents Czech Republic and Sweden were the first to do so.
Spartak Moscow’s Europa League last 16 tie with RB Leipzig, scheduled to begin in two weeks, is also in doubt as UEFA consider banning Russian clubs from competition.
McAnaney said: “We have confirmed to our colleagues at the Ukraine Association of Football that the FAI stands firmly alongside them in light of this terrible situation.
“We will join with the IRFU and Aviva Insurance to turn the Aviva Stadium yellow and blue this evening.
“I am sure that fans at our League of Ireland games tonight will also show their support for the people of the Ukraine.”
