Poland refuses to play their World Cup qualifier against Russia in retaliation Russia Invades UkrainePolish football federation president Cezary Kulesza said on Saturday.
Russia will face Poland on March 24 and the winner of that match will play with the winner between Sweden and the Czech Republic in the playoffs on March 29 in the Path B final to qualify. event to attend the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Sweden said on Saturday that it would not play Russia in a possible playoff “regardless of where the match is played.”
But Kulesza made the announcement on Twittercited Russia’s attack, and said Poland was in talks with other federations to come up with a unified stance with FIFA.
“No more words, time to act!” Kulesza wrote, saying the move was motivated by “an escalation of aggression.”
Poland’s Robert Lewandowski more: “It was the right decision! I can’t imagine playing a match against the Russian National Team in a situation where armed aggression in Ukraine continues. is happening.”
Before that, Poland had only said that they did not want to play the semi-finals of the knockout round in Moscow on March 24.
Earlier this week, the Football Association of Poland, Sweden and Czech Republic released a statement urging FIFA to rank any World Cup play-offs with Russia outside the country track its attack on Ukraine.
In one Letter to FIFA Secretary General Fatma SamouraThe three associations wrote: “Based on the current alarming developments in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, including the security situation, the Polish Football Federations (PZPN), Sweden (SvFF) and the Czech Republic (FACR) expressed their firm position that the playoff matches to qualify for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, scheduled for March 24 and 29, 2022, should not be played. on the territory of the Russian Federation.
“The people who signed the appeal did not consider traveling to Russia and playing football games there. The military escalation we are observing has serious consequences and significantly reduces safety. for our national football teams and official delegations.
“Therefore, we expect FIFA and UEFA to react immediately and come up with alternative solutions regarding the possible venues for these upcoming playoff matches.”
On Thursday, FIFA said in a statement that “hopes for a speedy end to hostilities and peace in Ukraine.”
“Violence is never the solution and FIFA urges all parties to restore peace through constructive dialogue. FIFA also continues to express its solidarity with those affected by this conflict. “, said FIFA. “On football matters in both Ukraine and Russia, FIFA will continue to monitor the situation and updates regarding the upcoming FIFA World Cup Qatar 202 qualifiers will be communicated in due course.”
Information from AP was used in this report
