Russia’s potential World Cup opponents Poland, Sweden, the Czech Republic want to change places
The Football Associations of Poland, Sweden and the Czech Republic have released a statement urging FIFA to host all World Cup finals against Russia outside the country after its attack on Ukraine.
Russia meets Poland and the winner of that match plays against the winner between Sweden and the Czech Republic in a playoff to qualify for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
In a letter addressed to FIFA Secretary General Fatma Samourathe three associations wrote: “Based on the current alarming development in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, including the security situation, the football federations of Poland (PZPN), Sweden (SvFF) and the Czech Republic (FACR) express their firm position on play-off matches to qualify for the World Cup. 2022 in Qatar, scheduled for March 24 and 29, 2022, should not be played on the territory of the Russian Federation.
“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.”
Sweden coach Karl-Erik Nilsson told Reuters that it is “almost unthinkable to play a football match in Russia”.
Sources have told ESPN that the Champions League final 2022, which will be held in the Russian city of St. Petersburg. Petersburg on May 28, will be moved.
A statement from UEFA stated: “Following the development of the situation between Russia and Ukraine, the UEFA President has called for an extraordinary meeting of the Executive Committee at 10.00 CET [4 a.m. ET] Friday, February 25, to evaluate the situation and make all necessary decisions.
“Further communication will take place after the meeting with UEFA’s Executive Committee.”
At the same time, the German second team Schalke said that they have removed the logo of the Russian energy company Gazprom from their shirts.
Shakhtar Donetsk’s Brazilian players appealed for help with an Instagram message when they sought refuge at one of the city’s hotels.
Reuters information was used in this report