Sweden says that the World Cup play-off match in Russia is “almost unthinkable”
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A play-off match for the 2022 World Cup in Russia is “almost unthinkable” right now, says the Swedish Football Association’s (SvFF) chairman.
Sweden will face the Czech Republic in a World Cup play-off match in Group B on March 24, where the winner will meet the winner of the second group match between Poland and Russia.
Wins for Sweden and Russia would mean that the two sides meet in Russia on March 29, with a place in the Qatar World Cup at stake.
“It is a possible scenario … spontaneous about the feelings we have when we wake up this morning is that it is almost unthinkable that we would play a football match in Russia in a few weeks,” Karl-Erik Nilsson told Reuters.
“As it looks here and now, today, there is absolutely no desire to play a football match in Russia.
Nilsson said he had not been in contact with his contacts in Ukraine after the attacks during the night.
But the 64-year-old former referee ended up demanding that the Russians be kicked out of the World Cup completely.
“I think that (in these situations) a lot is required very quickly – we will have to live and socialize in the future as well, and I think we should not be too quick with solutions,” he explained.
“Instead, we should take the time to see what action is needed. At the moment, we look forward to the laying down of arms and the establishment of peace and freedom. “
The Swedish football manager said that the Ukrainians’ wishes should guide football’s response.
– It is important that the inquiries come from Ukraine, Nilsson said.
“Currently, they have a lot more to think about than football, but a future will come one day and we must show solidarity with our football friends around Europe,” he said.
UEFA is considering changing places for the final of the Champions League
Contingency plans are being prepared by UEFA for where this season’s Champions League final will be held, the PA news agency understands.
Gazprom Arena with a capacity of 68,000 in St. Petersburg had been given the chance to host Europe’s parade events, but overnight events seem likely to force a change of venue.
UEFA is monitoring the situation with the Russian city that will be deprived of hosting the final on May 28.
Following the development of the situation between Russia and Ukraine, the UEFA president has called for an extra meeting with the executive committee on Friday 25 February at 10:00 CET to evaluate the situation and make all necessary decisions.
– UEFA (@UEFA) February 24, 2022
After changing the location of the final of the 2020 and 2021 editions due to the coronavirus pandemic, the governing body of European football may be forced to make another change but may wait until the later stages of the competition to see which pages remain in the tournament. .
Holders Chelsea, owned by Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich, Liverpool, Manchester City and Manchester United, are all in the last 16 of the Champions League.
-Reuters