Russia should not be allowed to host World Cup play-offs due to the nation’s invasion of Ukraine, the respective football federations in Poland, Sweden and the Czech Republic have said.

The four countries are on the same UEFA qualifying route for Qatar 2022, with Russia hosting Poland next month. Should they win that match, they are planned to be at home against the winner of Sweden against the Czech Republic.

A joint statement from the trio said they would not consider playing matches in Russia following President Vladimir Putin’s decision to launch military action in neighboring Ukraine, where all three insist on finding a neutral place.

“Based on the current alarming development in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, including the security situation, the Football Associations of Poland (PZPN), Sweden (SvFF) and the Czech Republic (FACR) express their firm position that the play-off matches to qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar , scheduled for March 24 and 29, should not be played in the territory of the Russian Federation, “the joint statement said.

“Those who signed this petition are not considering traveling to Russia and playing football matches there. The military escalation we are observing has serious consequences and significantly lower security for our national football teams and official delegations.

“Therefore, we expect FIFA and UEFA to react immediately and present alternative solutions regarding places where these upcoming play-off matches can be played.”

Russia, Poland and Sweden all confirmed their place in the playoffs in the second stage after finishing second in their respective qualifying groups.

They were joined by the Czech Republic as one of the two best-ranked Nations League playoffs who were not already qualified or involved in the playoffs.

Russia is already facing severe sanctions, including sports-related penalties, following their invasion.

They are expected to be disqualified from hosting the Champions League final, while there are serious doubts about Formula One’s Russian Grand Prix.