UEFA Nations League

Iceland vs Russia: Why was the UEFA Nations League game canceled?

The 2022-23 UEFA Nations League has resumed with the return of international soccer for the September window. However, the match to be played between Iceland and Russia has been canceled.

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September 22, 2022 05:14PM EDT

**© Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images**Iceland head coach Arnar Vidarsson.

The most anticipated moment of the year is drawing nearer. With less than two months for the beginning of Qatar 2022, world soccer is going crazy. But first, the September international break will bring us UEFA Nations League action.

The second edition of the tournament is reaching crucial stages, with the two final rounds of the group stage being decided before the FIFA World Cup. Needless to say, the stakes are high.

Many teams are in the brink of being relegated, while others are still hopeful of making the playoffs. However, the fixture between Iceland and Russia was canceled. Find out here why.

Why was Iceland vs. Russia canceled?

The reason why the Nations League game between Iceland vs. Russia was canceled is because UEFA banned Russia from playing international tournaments after the country’s invasion of Ukraine.

Russia will automatically be ranked fourth in Group 2 of League B. The punishment was decided shortly after the armed conflict began, and Europe’s governing body extended the ban in response to the actions of Vladimir Putin’s government.

UEFA has recently decided to ban Russia from Euro 2024 as well, making it clear that it condemns its government’s behavior. Therefore, it doesn’t look like they will be playing international soccer anytime soon.

Martín O’donnell

Martin O'Donnell is a bilingual sports writer fluent in English and Spanish, currently serving as the Editor of Bolavip. He began his journey with the website in February 2021, making a name for himself through comprehensive coverage of soccer, NFL, and NBA, with a specialty in real-time reporting of major events such as the World Cup, UEFA Champions League finals, and the Super Bowl. In June 2024, Martin took on the role of Subeditor, where he excelled in overseeing the publication of stories, assisting staff writers, and ensuring content quality. His prior experience includes managing social media for CONMEBOL Libertadores and Sudamericana in English and Spanish, as well as reporting on Brazilian football for Sambafoot. Known for his meticulous attention to detail and ability to capture breaking news, Martin has consistently been a valuable asset to the Bolavip team, especially during crucial sports seasons involving trades, playoffs, and finals. Now, as the Editor, Martin brings his extensive experience and keen editorial sense to lead Bolavip’s team, driving the website's growth and ensuring it remains a top source for sports news and analysis.