(Reuters) – Russia have decided to cancel the friendly international match against Paraguay that was scheduled for Monday in Moscow. This decision comes after a shooting rampage took place near the capital city, where at least 115 people were killed by gunmen using automatic weapons in a concert hall. The Islamic State militant group has claimed responsibility for the attack.
Due to Russia’s ban from FIFA and UEFA competitions following their invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the national team can only participate in friendly games. Just last Thursday, Russia secured a 4-0 victory against Serbia at Moscow’s VTB Arena. The match against Paraguay was also set to take place at the same venue on Monday.
“In connection with the terrorist attack in Krasnogorsk, the Russian Football Union and the Paraguayan Football Association have decided to cancel the friendly match between the national teams of Russia and Paraguay,” stated the RFU in an official announcement.
In response to the tragic events, the Russian Culture Ministry cancelled all entertainment and mass gatherings in the country on Friday. Additionally, the RFU has postponed all matches in their competitions that were scheduled for the weekend.
As Russia continues to deal with the aftermath of the shooting rampage near Moscow, the focus has shifted towards ensuring the safety and security of all individuals in the country. The decision to cancel the friendly match against Paraguay reflects the seriousness of the situation and the need to prioritize public safety.
The RFU’s announcement underscores the impact of the recent terrorist attack on the sporting events in Russia. With matches being postponed and entertainment activities being suspended, the country is taking measures to address the immediate threats and concerns arising from the tragic incident.
Details regarding any rescheduling of the cancelled match or upcoming fixtures for the Russian national team have not been provided at this time. However, the decision to prioritize safety and security in the wake of the shooting rampage is a crucial step in addressing the current situation.
Reports indicate that the Russian Football Union and other relevant authorities are closely monitoring the developments following the terrorist attack. The cancellation of the friendly match against Paraguay is part of a broader effort to respond to the security challenges facing Russia and ensure the well-being of its citizens.
With the situation remaining fluid and ongoing investigations taking place, the impact of the shooting rampage near Moscow continues to reverberate across the country. The decision to cancel the friendly international match serves as a reminder of the need to address security concerns and prioritize public safety in times of crisis.
As Russia grapples with the aftermath of the tragic events, the football community stands in solidarity with the nation and those affected by the recent violence. The decision to cancel the match against Paraguay reflects a collective commitment to addressing the challenges posed by the terrorist attack and ensuring the safety of all individuals in the country.
Our thoughts are with the victims and their families during this difficult time, and we express our support for the efforts to overcome the repercussions of the shooting rampage near Moscow. The decision to cancel the friendly international match underscores the gravity of the situation and the importance of unity and resilience in the face of adversity.
