Premier League to not air in Russia
In wake of the ongoing Russia and Ukraine conflict, the Premier League will indefinitely suspend the broadcast deals with Russia. Effective immediately, all games going forward, will not be featured on Russian airwaves. Said to be a unanimous decision by the clubs, the organizations have taken considerate efforts to aid Ukraine during this trying time. One organization, English Topflight, will donate £1m to support the people of Ukraine.
World Cup Play-off match postponed
Fifa has also taken a call to action, postponing the Scotland World Cup playoff matchup versus Ukraine. Originally set to meet at Hampden on March 24th, the state of the country has rendered a game amid crisis near impossible.
The opponents have offered support in the decision, with Former Scotland assistant manager Mark McGhee emphasizing how the real-life issues can affect them in-field, rendering it unfair to the athletes.
Griner’s detainment
Not to be outdone, the WNBA continues to look on as Phoenix Mercury star Brittney Griner is detained in Russia, following an arrest due to finding vape cartridges containing hashish oil in her luggage traveling home. The 31-year-old was in the country playing professional basketball during her offseason, a common practice for WNBA stars.
Lindsay Kagawa Colas, Griner’s agent with Wasserman Group, told ESPN she is “in close contact with [Griner], her legal representation in Russia, her family, her teams, and the WNBA and NBA.
“As this is an ongoing legal matter, we are not able to comment further on the specifics of her case but can confirm that as we work to get her home, her mental and physical health remain our primary concern.”
Stay tuned to Freewave for more coverage for the ongoing Russia/Ukraine conflict.
