Russia’s request to freeze FIFA ban on its football teams ahead of next week’s World Cup qualifiers was rejected today (Friday).

Russia will not be allowed to play the World Cup qualifier against Poland on Thursday.

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) upheld FIFA’s decision to exclude Russia from its competitions.

The decision is similar to the CAS decision earlier this week to support the UEFA ban.

Russia had demanded that the bans be lifted until the full appeal procedures were completed.

The CAS decision will almost certainly end Russia’s participation in the World Cup in Qatar later this year.