Poland refuse to play Russia in 2022 World Cup playoff sport

Poland are refusing to play their World Cup qualifier in opposition to Russia in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the Polish soccer federation president Cezary Kulesza stated on Saturday.

Russia are set to face Poland on March 24 and the winner of that match performs whoever triumphs between Sweden and Czech Republic in a playoff on March 29 within the Path B remaining to qualify for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

However Kulesza made the announcement on Twitter, citing Russia’s assault, and indicated Poland was in talks with different federations to current a unified place to FIFA.

“No extra phrases, time to behave!” Kulesza wrote, saying the transfer was prompted by the “escalation of the aggression.”

Poland striker Robert Lewandowski added: “It’s the proper determination! I can not think about taking part in a match with the Russian Nationwide Group in a scenario when armed aggression in Ukraine continues. Russian footballers and followers are usually not accountable for this, however we won’t faux that nothing is occurring.”

Beforehand, Poland had solely stated they did not wish to play the qualifying playoff semifinal in Moscow on March 24.

Earlier this week, the Soccer Associations of Poland, Sweden and Czech Republic launched an announcement urging FIFA to stage any World Cup playoff in opposition to Russia exterior of the nation following its attack on Ukraine.

In a letter addressed to the FIFA General Secretary Fatma Samoura, the three associations wrote: “Primarily based on the present alarming improvement within the battle between Russia and Ukraine, together with the safety scenario the Soccer Associations of Poland (PZPN), Sweden (SvFF) and Czech Republic (FACR) categorical their agency place that the playoff matches to qualify for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, scheduled for March 24 and 29, 2022, shouldn’t be performed within the territory of the Russian Federation.

“The signatories to this attraction don’t think about travelling to Russia and taking part in soccer matches there. The army escalation that we’re observing entails severe penalties and significantly decrease security for our nationwide soccer groups and official delegations.

“Subsequently, we anticipate FIFA and UEFA to react instantly and to current various options concerning locations the place these approaching playoff matches might be performed.”

On Thursday, FIFA said in a statement that the “hope for fast cessation of hostilities and peace in Ukraine.”

“Violence isn’t an answer and FIFA calls on all events to revive peace via constructive dialogue. FIFA additionally continues to precise its solidarity to the folks affected by this battle,” FIFA stated. “Relating to soccer issues in each Ukraine and Russia, FIFA will proceed to watch the scenario and updates in relation to the upcoming FIFA World Cup Qatar 202 qualifiers might be communicated in the end.”

Info from AP was used on this report