DUBAI: The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has rejected a request from the Russian Football Union (RFU) to freeze FIFA’s decision to suspend all Russian teams and clubs from its competitions while the CAS deliberates on the case.
Friday’s decision effectively prevents Russia from taking part in World Cup qualifying playoffs scheduled later this month as no CAS hearing has yet been fixed.
Soccer governing bodies FIFA and UEFA had decided together that all Russian teams, whether national or club sides, be suspended from participation in FIFA and UEFA competitions until further notice after Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine.
“The challenged decision remains in force and all Russian teams and clubs continue to be suspended from participation in FIFA competitions,” the CAS said in a statement.
“The CAS arbitration proceedings continue. A panel of arbitrators is currently being constituted and the parties are exchanging written submissions.”
Russia were scheduled to host Poland in a World Cup qualifying playoff on March 24.
Reuters has contacted FIFA for comment. The World Cup will be held in Qatar from November.
The Polish FA had said that they would refuse to play against the Russian team and the Czech Republic and Sweden, who are in the same playoff path, had also ruled out facing Russia.
Earlier this week, the CAS also upheld UEFA’s ban on Russian teams taking part in its competitions for the duration of its proceedings.
The decision meant that Spartak Moscow could not play their Europa League match against RB Leipzig, allowing the German club to advance to the quarter-finals.
CAS upholds FIFA ban on Russian teams while court deliberates
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CAS upholds FIFA ban on Russian teams while court deliberates
- Friday's decision effectively prevents Russia from taking part in World Cup qualifying playoffs scheduled later this month
- A panel of arbitrators is currently being constituted and the parties are exchanging written submissions
Oracle Red Bull Racing signs global partnership deal with Damac
- UAE developer’s branding will appear on the RB22 car’s halo and side pods, as well as the driver kit, helmets, and race suits
DUBAI: Oracle Red Bull Racing has signed a global partnership deal with Damac Properties, the largest private real estate developer in the UAE and the Middle East.
The Formula 1 racing team is one of the most successful in motorsport history, with a driver lineup that features four-time world champion Max Verstappen alongside rising talent Isack Hadjar.
Damac Properties branding will appear on the Oracle Red Bull Racing RB22 car’s halo and side pods, as well as the team principle and driver team kit, helmets, and race suits.
Over the years, Damac has partnered with brands that include Roberto Cavalli, Paramount, and Chelsea Football Club.
Speaking about the announcement, Amira Sajwani, managing director of sales and development at Damac Properties, said the developer was proud to partner with Oracle Red Bull Racing.
“Formula 1 represents precision, innovation, and elite performance at the highest level, values that resonate deeply with our brand DNA. I truly believe that no real estate developer in the UAE has built a partnership portfolio as diverse and globally impactful as Damac’s, and this collaboration is a powerful testament to that journey,” Sajwani said.
Laurent Mekies, CEO and team principal of Oracle Red Bull Racing, said that the partnership “will open avenues for stronger global engagement and create meaningful impact for both organizations.”
He added: “This partnership reflects our mindset as a business and our vision for the future.”
Ali Sajwani, managing director of operations, finance and hospitality at Damac, said: “Formula 1 has always been a passion of mine, and I deeply understand both the scale and global influence of this industry. At Damac, we are constantly seeking partnerships that are distinctive, powerful, and aligned with our ambition to be a trendsetter in the market.”
The announcement follows Damac’s global partnership with Chelsea Football Club, unveiled in April 2025, with the developer becoming the club’s front-of-jersey sponsor for the remainder of the 2024-25 season. The collaboration also marked the launch of Chelsea Residences by Damac, the world’s first football-branded residential development, located in Dubai.
