Poland and Sweden refuse to play against Russia in the World Cup qualifiers due to Ukraine’s invasion
The national football teams of Poland and Sweden will not face Russia in the decisive play-off matches for the World Cup in March due to the country’s invasion of Ukraine.
Polish Football Federation President Cezary Kulesza said in a tweet on Saturday that it is “time to act!”
“Due to the escalation of the Russian Federation’s aggression against Ukraine, the Polish national team does not intend to play the play-off match against Russia,” he wrote.
The Swedish Football Association later joined Poland’s call and said in one statement they will not play against Russia “no matter where the match is played” and urged FIFA to cancel the play-off matches in which Russia is a participant, according to CBS Sports.
The Czech Football Association has not yet commented on the actions of Poland and Sweden, but agreed them in a letter on Thursday to move the matches from Russia.
Russia would play Poland on March 24 in a semifinal in the playoffs in Moscow, and the winner of that match would face the winner between Sweden and the Czech Republic, who were scheduled to play the same date in Sweden. That winner will advance to the World Cup in Qatar later this year.
The answer comes days after FIFA President Gianni Infantino on Thursday failed to cancel the playoffs or Condemns the actions of Russian President Vladimir Putin, which Infantino has praised before. Putin, who hosted the 2018 World Cup, rewarded Infantino with one “friendship” medal during 2019.
Polish star and Bayern Munich star Robert Lewandowski supported the decision to back out of the game against Russia.
“It’s the right decision!” he said. “I can not imagine playing a match with the Russian national team in a situation where armed aggression in Ukraine continues. Russian football players and fans are not responsible for this, but we can not pretend that nothing happens.”
Russia’s attack on Ukraine intensified during the night Saturday. Putin’s military launched coordinated artillery and missile attacks on key sites in Kiev and other cities.