Belarusian national team and club matches to be played at a neutral ground, behind closed doors

UEFA have confirmed via an official communication that all Belarusian teams and the country's national side will have to play their next matches in UEFA competition at a neutral ground and behind closed doors. The ruling comes days after Russian clubs and the national side were expelled from UEFA tournaments. 

It is a measure that will not have any effect at this moment in time. No Belarusian teams are currently playing in UEFA competition and therefore the European footballing body's ruling will not make an impact until to 2022/23 season. For example, Belarus will be in Group 3 of Division C in the Nations League next season.

The consequences of this decsion will first be felt during the preliminary stages of the competition next season. However, it must to be considered that this veto would be lifted should Belarus choose to change its stance on Russia. 

 

March 3, 2022

But what is Belarus' international position? It is the reason why UEFA have punished them in a footballing sense. The country is supporting Russia's invasion of Ukraine. In fact, Belarus has voted against the United Nations' appeal to condemn Vladimir Putin's Russia, along with North Korea, Syria and Eritrea.