Poland refuse to play Russia in World Cup play-off – irrelevant of location
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Poland are flat-out refusing to compete against Russia for a potential place at the World Cup.
The invasion of Ukraine, spearheaded by Vladimir Putin, has seen the Polish FA president Cezary Kulesza make his country's stance clear on the crunch football clash next month.
"No more words, time to act!" Kulesza said on Twitter. "Due to the escalation of the aggression of the Russian Federation towards Ukraine, the Polish national team does not intend to play the play-off match against Russia.
"This is the only right decision. We are in talks with the Swedish and Czech Republic federations to present a common position to FIFA."
Poland are due to play against Russia on March 24, and Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski also said: "It is the right decision. I can't imagine playing a match with the Russian National Team in a situation when armed aggression in Ukraine continues.
"Russian footballers and fans are not responsible for this, but we can't pretend that nothing is happening."
The news comes just a day after Poland, Sweden and the Czech Republic released a joint statement asking for clarity on the growing conflict in Ukraine.
A statement read: "'Based on the current alarming development in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, including the security situation the Football Associations of Poland, Sweden, and the Czech Republic express their firm position that the playoff matches to qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, scheduled for 24 and 29 March 2002, should not be played in the territory of the Russian Federation."
"The signatories to this appeal do not consider travelling to Russia and playing football matches there."
"'The military escalation that we are observing entails serious consequences and considerably lower safety for our national football teams and official delegations. Therefore, we expect FIFA and UEFA to react immediately and to present alternative solutions regarding places where these approaching playoff matches could be played."
Meanwhile, FIFA president Gianni Infantino revealed that the body is looking into the situation and hope that a resolution of some sort can be found by March.
"FIFA condemns the use of force by Russia in Ukraine and any type of violence to resolve conflicts," a statement said.
"'Violence is never a solution and FIFA calls on all parties to restore peace through constructive dialogue.
"FIFA also continues to express our solidarity to the people affected by this conflict. Regarding football matters in both Ukraine and Russia, and updates in relation to the upcoming FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 qualifiers will be communicated in due course."
UEFA stripped Saint Petersburg of the Champions League final set to take place in May, changing the venue to the Stade de France in Paris.
- Breaking News
- World Cup
- Vladimir Putin
- Russia
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