Poland, the Czech Republic and Sweden refuse to play any World Cup qualifiers 2022 in Russia after attacking Ukraine
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Poland, the Czech Republic and Sweden refuse to play any World Cup qualifiers in Russia.
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Right now, a game is played for Russia in March, but scenarios may allow a second match there.
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The three countries made a joint statement after Russia attacked Ukraine on Thursday.
Poland, the Czech Republic and Sweden said they were refusing to play any upcoming World Cup qualifiers in 2022 in Russia after they attacked Ukraine on Thursday.
Based on the recent Russian aggression against Ukraine, “the signatories of this appeal are not considering traveling to Russia and playing football matches there,” the three countries said in a statement. joint statement addressed to FIFA Secretary General Fatma Samoura.
The statement continued: “The military escalation we are observing has serious consequences and significantly lower security for our national football teams and official delegations.”
Russia will host Poland at Dinamo Lev Yashin Stadium in Moscow on March 24, while Sweden will host the Czech Republic.
If both Russia and Sweden win, the two sides would meet on March 29 in Russia with a place in Qatar at stake.
The three teams said they expect an “immediate response” from FIFA and UEFA, and that the organizations will find “alternative solutions” for the upcoming matches.
Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday announced that he was launching a “special military operation” against Ukraine, which was immediately followed by a missile flood and reports of attacks in large parts of the country.
This story is evolving. Come back for updates.
Read the original article on Business Insider