Russia will host Poland in the World Cup semi-finals on March 24. Should they win, they are currently scheduled to host either Sweden or the Czech Republic on March 29.

“The Football Associations of Poland (PZPN), Sweden (SvFF) and the Czech Republic (FACR) express their firm position that the play-off matches … should not be played on the territory of the Russian Federation,” they said in a joint statement.

“The military escalation we are observing has serious consequences and significantly lower security for our national football teams and official delegations.” The federations say they expect an immediate response from FIFA and UEFA.

The Swedish FA says in a separate statement: “Swedish football is appalled by what we now see unfolding in Ukraine. The situation is extremely serious and the only thing we can hope for is that this unjust invasion will end as soon as possible. Our thoughts are with all those affected in Ukraine.

“We take part in the news reporting, as well as authorities and representatives of the government’s advice and recommendations. SvFF is also waiting for guidance from the international federations, UEFA and FIFA, on how Russia’s participation in international competitions should be handled.

“However, our own assessment is that, as the situation is now, it will be impossible to play a possible play-off match for the World Cup in Moscow against Russia on March 29.

The Czech national team’s Twitter account said: “The football associations in the Czech Republic, Poland and Sweden demand that the possible play-off match for the World Cup be moved from Russia. All three clubs made this joint decision during Thursday’s meeting and informed both FIFA and UEFA of this demand. “

FIFA said they will monitor the situation and will provide updates in due course. ” FIFA condemns Russia’s use of force in Ukraine and all forms of violence to resolve conflicts. Violence is never a solution and FIFA calls on all parties to restore peace through a constructive dialogue, the governing body said in a statement.

The Russian city of St. Petersburg will lose the Champions League final this year. UEFA has scheduled an extra meeting with the executive committee on Friday to move the match.

The Ukrainian Football Federation has called on FIFA and UEFA to ban Russian clubs and national teams from participating in international competitions.

Russia will also host the UEFA Super Cup in Kazan in August 2023.