The Czech Republic joins Poland and Sweden when they refuse to play against Russia in the 2022 World Cup finals
The Czech Republic joined Poland and Sweden on Sunday when they refused to play against Russia in the World Cup qualifier 2022 next month in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The Czech Republic is a potential opponent for Russia in next month’s playoffs. Russia will face Poland on March 24 and the winner of that match will host Sweden or the Czech Republic on March 29 for a place at the World Cup in Qatar.
The executive committee of the Czech Football Federation said they “unanimously approved a decision that the Czech national team will not play against Russia in any case.”
The Polish and Swedish Football Associations made the same decision on Saturday.
The Executive Committee asked the head of the Czech Football Association, Petr Fousek, to lead the negotiations with UEFA and FIFA on the Czech position.
“The Czech FA’s executive committee, staff and players of the national team agreed that it is not possible to play against the Russian national team in the current situation, not even in the neutral arena,” the association said in a statement. “We all want the war to end as soon as possible.”
Earlier this week, the football associations of Poland, Sweden and the Czech Republic released a statement calling on FIFA to host all World Cup finals against Russia outside the country after its attack on Ukraine.
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 have 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.”
On Thursday, FIFA said in a statement that “the hope of a speedy cessation of hostilities and peace in Ukraine.”
“Violence is never a solution and FIFA calls on all parties to restore peace through constructive dialogue. FIFA also continues to express its solidarity with the people affected by this conflict,” FIFA said. “Regarding football issues in both Ukraine and Russia, FIFA will continue to monitor the situation and updates in connection with the upcoming FIFA World Cup Qatar 202 qualifier will be announced in due course.”
Information from the AP was used in this report.