Scottish football games no longer televised in Russia following invasion of Ukraine

The Scottish football authorities have announced that they have taken steps to prevent league and cup games from being shown in Russia.

The decision, which takes immediate effect, comes as a response to the invasion of Ukraine and the suspension will be ongoing.

Games from Scotland are shown through international partners around the world and the ban on Russia will cover matches in all competitions, including the Premiership and this weekend’s Scottish Cup quarter-finals.

A joint statement from Hampden read: “The Scottish FA and Scottish Professional Football League can confirm they have instructed their respective broadcast partners to suspend feeds of all domestic league and cup competitions in Russia for the foreseeable future, in light of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

“As a result, there will be a blackout of Scottish Cup fixtures from this weekend’s quarter finals and from all SPFL competitions including cinch Premiership, cinch Championship, Premier Sports Cup and SPFL Trust Trophy.”

The Scotland men’s national team have already seen their World Cup play-off semi-final postponed from March until June as a result of the conflict.

Ian Maxwell, Scottish FA chief executive said of the postponement: “In light of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, it is the correct decision by FIFA to postpone our play-off, as requested by the Ukrainian Association of Football.

“The importance and significance of football is greatly diminished in a time of war and our thoughts are with those Ukrainian civilians affected by the conflict.”