RUSSIA have been booted OUT of Euro 2024 because of the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Uefa’s ruling executive committee banned the country from the qualifying draw as a direct response to the invasion of their neighbours.
It comes after Russia were also kicked out of the World Cup play-offs, when Poland, Sweden and the Czech Republic refused to play against them in protest.
All their clubs have also been excluded from European competitions this season as Europe unites against Vladimir Putin’s regime.
Now Uefa chief Aleksander Ceferin has made the most significant decision by confirming Russia’s name will not be among the 53 European nations — Germany qualify automatically as hosts — when the qualifying draw is made in Frankfurt on October 9.
A Uefa statement said: “All Russian teams are currently suspended. Russia is therefore not included in the Uefa European Football Championship 2022-24 qualifying draw.”
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The decision followed a request from the German government, which urged Uefa to ban both Russia and Belarus, although the smaller nation will be allowed to enter qualifying.
It comes as Barcelona’s Robert Lewandowski promised former Chelsea striker Andriy Shevchenko he would take Ukraine’s yellow and blue colours.
The Pole played a prominent role in Russia’s World Cup eviction by pledging not to play a qualifier in Moscow back in March.
And yesterday he was presented with a captain’s armband by Laureus ambassador Shev in Warsaw.
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Lewandowski said: “I believe as athletes we should use the power of sport for good.
“I’m going to take Andriy’s armband to the World Cup as a reminder that Ukrainian people are not alone and are not forgotten.
“It means a lot to me to stand here with Andriy, a footballer and man who has used his voice and platform to influence positive change.”
Meanwhile, Uefa have fined Ukraine boss Oleksandr Petrakov after he said he would be willing to take up arms to fight Russian invaders.
Russia had demanded the 65-year-old be banned for “discrimination”.
But Petrakov reiterated his threat and said: “I will say it again and I stand by my words.”
Ukraine FA chief Andrii Pavelko dismissed “Russian hysterics” and admitted: “Of course, there is no ban and could not have been.
“There was a warning and a minor fine the Ukrainian Football Association had the honour of paying.
“In vain the Russians are trying now — on the eve of an important match against Scotland — to distract our preparations. At the same time, the Russians have nothing to prepare for.
“Russia will not be in the Euro 2024 qualifying draw in Frankfurt and until at least 2024 will not be in official international football competitions. Euro 2024 will pass without an aggressor country! Glory to Ukraine!”