Poland, Czech Republic, Sweden will not go to Russia for the World Cup finals
The Polish, Czech and Swedish football federations have issued a joint statement saying they “will not consider traveling to Russia” for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers given the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
On March 24, Russia and Poland will meet in Moscow as part of the new UEFA World Cup qualifier format, which includes three four – team brackets for the region’s last three World Cup places in Qatar. The winner of Russia-Poland will face the winner of Sweden against the Czech Republic with a place in the World Cup at stake.
And if Russia wins its semi-final against Poland, the critical match for a trip to Qatar will also take place in Moscow.
“Based on the current alarming developments in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, including the security situation, the football associations of Poland, Sweden and the Czech Republic express their firm position that the play-off matches to qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, scheduled for 24 and 29 March 2022, should not be played in the territory of the Russian Federation “, statement read.
“Those who signed this petition are not considering traveling to Russia and playing football matches there. The military escalation that we are observing has serious consequences and significantly lower security for our national football teams and official delegations. “
The federations also called on FIFA and UEFA to “present alternative solutions regarding places where these upcoming play-off matches can be played.”
Ukraine will also take part in the play-offs for the World Cup final against Scotland on March 24 and, if they win, against the winner of Wales vs. Austria. Both matches for Ukraine would be on the way.
The Champions League final may also be affected by the escalation in Ukraine. On Thursday, Associated Press reported that UEFA has decided to move this year’s final from St. Petersburg due to the ongoing conflict, with a decision to be made on Friday.
More football coverage: