Wojciech Szczesny makes passionate plea to FIFA after Poland boycott Russia game

02/26/2022

Poland and Juventus goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny has called on FIFA to take action and hold Russia to account after the invasion of Ukraine.

The Poland national football team have refused to participate in their 2022 World Cup qualifying clash against Russia in Moscow next month.

Polish FA president Cezary Kulesza tweeted on Saturday: ‘No more words, time to act! 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 the Russian national team.

‘This is the only right decision. We are in talks with the Sweden and Czech Republic federations to bring forward a common position to FIFA.’

For the latest updates on the Russia-Ukraine war, visit our live blog: Russia-Ukraine live

Poland international players have taken to social media to back the decision, with captain Robert Lewandowski saying: ‘It is the right decision! I can’t imagine playing a match with the Russian national team in a situation where armed aggression in Ukraine continues.

‘Russian footballers and fans are not responsible for this, but we can’t pretend that nothing is happening.’

While UEFA have banned Russian teams from hosting games in their competitions, FIFA have yet to take a clear position.

And in an emotional statement on his Instagram page, former Arsenal stopper Szczesny, whose wife was born in Ukraine, stated he is also refusing to play against Russia, and urged FIFA to act.

‘My wife was born in Ukraine, there is Ukrainian blood running through the veins of my son, part of our family is still in Ukraine, a lot of my workers are Ukrainian and they’re all great people,’ wrote Szczesny.

‘Seeing the suffering on their faces and fear for their country makes me realise I can’t stand still and pretend that nothing has happened.

‘The moment Putin decided to invade Ukraine he declared war not only on Ukraine but also on all the values Europe stands for. Liberty, Independence but most of all Peace.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Cab9ZqeolDN/

‘On 26th of March we were supposed to play against Russia in a play-off match for 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

‘And although my heart breaks while writing this, my conscience will not let me play.

‘Representing your country is the biggest honour in a footballers’ career but it’s still a choice. I refuse to play against players who choose to represent the values and principles of Russia!

‘I refuse to stand on the pitch, wearing the colours of my country and listen to the national anthem of Russia!

‘I refuse to take part in a sporting event that legitimises the actions of the Russian government.

‘I know my impact may only be symbolic but I call on FIFA and UEFA to take action and hold Russian federation accountable for their actions.’

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