The Russian football federation has dropped an appeal against FIFA’s World Cup ban, imposed after the invasion of Ukraine, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) said on Tuesday.

Russia was drawn to face Poland in a World Cup qualifying play-off semi-final, but the Poles received a bye and then reached the finals starting November 21 by beating Sweden.

“The process will soon be closed,” said CAS which on March 18 refused to overturn the ban.

The Russian Federation said it would continue its appeal against UEFA, who have banned Russian clubs from continental competitions.

CAS said it would not lift the UEFA ban on Russian clubs and is has as yet to decide upon a date for a final ruling.

In February this year, condemning the “use of force by Russia in its invasion of Ukraine,” FIFA took a decision to indefinitely suspend the teams representing Russia – both mens and women’s teams. The UEFA followed suit and had disallowed all Russian based clubs to participate in European competitions.

The FIFA has always shown a quick response when it comes to taking action against nations that may have grounds of suspension. Days before Russia was suspended, FIFA suspended Kenya and Zimbabwe citing government interference. In 2021, they had done the same to the teams from Pakistan and Chad.

The reasons for suspension usually vary but are around the same grounds of corruption or financial irregularities. But it is very rare to see such grounds for suspension.

The Russian men’s team will definitely be out of action for the rest of the year. There is still hope for the women’s team as the Euros are still four months away, although it feels like too far a stretch.