Poland and Sweden Refuse to Play Russia in Playoffs
Poland and Sweden plan to protest regarding the World Cup Playoffs due to the ongoing scenario of the Russian invasion. Poland’s refusal to play Russia in the playoffs in response to the nation’s invasion of Ukraine is followed by Sweden. The Scandinavian country came with support to Poland’s decision.
Poland and Sweden playoff refusals
The Polish soccer Federation President Cezary Kulesza announced the decision of Poland. He added that it is in talks with other federations to present it to FIFA as it is responsible for the game on March 24 in Moscow.
“Enough with the words; it’s time to act!” The decision was triggered by the “intensification of the aggressiveness,” Kulesza remarked on Twitter.
Also on Saturday, Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich hastily turned over the Premier League club’s custodianship and care to its charity foundation trustees.
Abramovich did not mention the war in his statement.
Poland and Sweden Joins their hands together
Poland and Sweden, who are yet to face Russia in next month’s playoffs, joined the hands together to protest. The Polish captain Robert Lewandowski and Goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny were among the supporters.
The Czech Republic, another team to potentially face Russia is also likely to follow both Poland and Sweden.
Karl-Erik Nilsson, the Swedish federation chairman said that the current situation with Ukraine makes it impossible to fix any matches with Russia. In addition, he said that therefore they urge FIFA to decide that the playoff matches in March will not take place.
Nilsson stated that they have a hard time believing that FIFA will not follow their decision. Russia cannot join as long as this frenzy continues. He is also the vice-president at UEFA which removed Russia from hosting the Champions League final in St. Petersburg.
FIFA is yet to take a decision on Russia hosting or even playing against Poland and Sweden.
