The Premier League has suspended its broadcast deal with Russia following the country’s invasion of neighbouring Ukraine
The move will take effect immediately, meaning Thursday’s four matches will not be shown in the country on television.
It only took 15 minutes for all 20 clubs to agree, during a four hour meeting in London.
The English top flight also says it will donate £1m to support the people of Ukraine.
The TV rights for the Premier League were owned by the Rambler Group, which had signed a three year deal to broadcast the matches.
This was their final year.
In a separate move, the Football Association has also suspended its deal with Russia.
That means none of this month’s FA Cup quarter-final matches will be shown.
Condemning Russia
The Premier League says it condemns Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and that its clubs unanimously agreed the move.
“We call for peace and our thoughts are with all those impacted,” the Premier League said in a statement.
“The £1m donation will be made to the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) to deliver humanitarian aid directly to those in need.”
UK Sports Minister Nigel Huddleston says it is “absolutely the right thing to do”.
“We fully support the Premier League’s decision to stop broadcasting matches in Russia in response to Putin’s barbaric, senseless invasion of Ukraine.
“Russia cannot be allowed to legitimise its illegal war through sport and culture, and we must work together to ensure Putin remains a pariah on the international stage.”
