Crimean clubs have been suspended by Uefa from playing in Russian domestic competitions.
“The Russian football union may not organise any football competition in Crimea without the consent of Uefa and the football federation of Ukraine,” Uefa said in a statement, adding the ban would take effect on 1 January.
Ukraine says Russia has no right to include clubs from Simferopol, Sevastopol and Yalta in its leagues as the Crimea peninsula is regarded as an occupied territory and its separation has not been globally recognised.
Russia annexed the Crimean peninsula in March soon after Ukrainian protesters toppled the pro-Moscow president Viktor Yanukovich.
Gianni Infantino, the Uefa secretary general, said: “This solution brings the situation into line with the statues of Uefa and Fifa and ensures football can be played and developed in Crimea,” he said.
“It is not up to Uefa to determine any political situation, it is about football. The Uefa executive committee is interested that football can be played.”
A disciplinary case could be opened if Uefa’s decision was not respected.
According to Fifa regulations, football leagues or clubs may only be affiliated by other associations and play on their territory in exceptional situations and with the consent of all sides.
