In a recent interview, Svendsen claimed he was not convinced that FIFA was acting quickly enough after reports emerged that 34 Russian national team players identified in a report carried out by Canadian lawyer Richard McLaren on behalf of the World Anti-Doping Agency had allegedly violated anti-doping rules.

Svendsen said that FIFA lacked the will to go ahead with its inquiries and was instead waiting until the end of this summer’s World Cup in Russia.

"If football in Russia has been part of a Government-controlled doping system then exclusion should be considered in the same way as for other sports," he said.

After the comments were made, the Russian Football Union (RFU) revealed they were deliberating over whether to file a complaint, which they have now decided to do.

RFU acting President Alexander Alayev, who has replaced Vitaly Mutko, who resigned in December after he was banned for life by the International Olympic Committee because of his role in the Russian doping scandal, has now decided to escalate the matter. 

"I regret that our Norwegian colleagues made such absurd statements and did not even attempt to enter into a civilised dialogue," he told insideworldfootball. 

"We cannot allow one individual to throw such a shadow on Russian football.

"Therefore, we have reported the matter to the FIFA Ethics Committee.

"Fair play is not just about the behaviour of the players on the pitch.

"Fair play is sport without politics, without discrimination.

"First and foremost, fair play is about respect for each other."

Russian President Vladimir Putin is due hold talks with FIFA President Gianni Infantino in Sochi tomorrow where preparations for the World Cup, due to start on June 14 and conclude on July 15, will be held. 

Mutko, now Russia's Deputy Prime Minister, told Russia’s official state news agency TASS: "They will meet on February 12.

"As I understand it, there will be two visits by Infantino this month as well as closer to the start of the World Cup."