The FA has been left fuming after the FA Cup was shown in Russia with footage manipulated so that shows of support for Ukraine are removed.
It was quarter-final weekend in the competition with one match being played on Saturday and three on Sunday. Russia's invasion of Ukraine has seen several nations attempt to restrict their matches being shown as way of protest. However, the FA's hands were tied regarding FA Cup matches after the rights to show the competition in Russia were sold by IMG.
Talks were held with an international agency as they requested a suspension of the TV rights, but the games were still shown in Russia. Clubs in England have made huge efforts to support Ukraine and its people whilst the likes of Oleksandr Zinchenko were in action at the weekend.
However, there are concerns that footage of several games is still being shown in Russia. UEFA has also received reports that some footage has been manipulated to rid of protests, shows of solidarity with Ukraine and the presence of Ukraine flags in stadiums. Anti-war messages on advertisement hoardings have also been altered, reports the Daily Mail.
There are now fears that England's upcoming matches with Switzerland on Friday and Ivory Coast on Tuesday could be aired in Russia. UEFA control the rights and are currently discussing next steps after several nations across Europe privately made their concerns known to the governing body.
Premier League clubs put a stop to broadcasts in Russia earlier this month following the invasion after the government made it clear they wanted to stop matches being shown with The EFL quick to follow suit. Russia's invasion on Ukraine has had huge knock on affects throughout the world of sport, not least in football. UEFA have suspended the country's team from participating in their tournaments whilst the nation will also not take part in qualification for the World Cup in Qatar this winter.
The country's Oligarchs have also felt the heat with Roman Abramovich seeing his assets frozen, which has resulted in heavy sanctions placed on Chelsea. The Blues cannot operate in a way that benefits them financially meaning tickets are not being sold to fans. Several bidders have expressed their interest as the club looks to complete a quick sale.
Former Chelsea striker Andriy Shevchenko has opened up to the Daily Mail about the state of affairs in Ukraine in an emotional interview. He said: “I was sleeping. I got a call. It was my mum. She said: ’The war has started’. We couldn't believe that Russia would take that step and start the war. We were in shock. You feel every bomb that touches the ground because the house is shaking. This is what the war is now. It's in that stage where the Russians surround the city and are just bombing. They don't stop. It's relentless."
