Russia Forced to Wear Neutral Kits at 2022 World Cup - If They Qualify
Did you know that Russia was not allowed to officially take part in the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, with Russian athletes donning "neutral" jerseys during those events?
We will continue to see the same across major international events after the Court of Arbitration for sports (CAS) upheld the initial decision by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA)
WADA had banned Russia for four years after the Russian anti-doping agency RUSADA was found guilty of failing to provide drug-test data when requested to do so.
CAS confirmed in December that the Russian name, flag and anthem would be banned from the next summer and winter Olympics as well as the 2022 Qatar World Cup.
Business as usual at the Euro
Interestingly, Russia will participate as usual at this summer's Euro 2020 as UEFA is not a "major events organization" regarding rulings on anti-doping breaches.
What to expect from the neutral Russian shirt?
The jersey worn during the 2018 Winter Olympics gives us an idea of what to expect, should the Russian team qualify for the 2022 World Cup.
Produced by the Nike, they featured a generic hockey badge on the front, together with the writing "Olympic Athlete From Russia".
Russia currently sit in second place in Group H of the UEFA World Cup Qualifiers, level on points with Croatia, having played three of the total of 10 matches.
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