During an extraordinary meeting held on 01 March 2022 the EMF Executive Committee in coordination with the host of EMF EURO 2022 – Slovak Minifootball Association, decided to withdraw the invitation to the Russian National team to take part in the competition. The EMF strongly condemns the use of military force and urges the use of diplomatic means to solve the conflict. We are united in its mission to contribute to peace through sport and to unite Europe in the peaceful competition beyond all political disputes. Likewise, we understand that the Russian National minifootball team and officials themselves may not support the actions of their Government, in terms of security reasons we deem it, inappropriate Russian National team, to participate in the competition of international dimensions less than 100 km away from the active conflict.
EMF and LOC will refund the Russian Minifootball Federation with the funds already transferred for the tournament.
The EMF ExCo has not left out the possibility of further actions impacting future events or other EMF activities but hopes above all for a swift and peaceful resolution to the war.
