The Czech Republic joins both Poland and Sweden in insisting that they will NOT play Russia in the World Cup playoffs next month … with FIFA facing pressure to take action following the invasion of Ukraine
- Russia, Poland, Sweden, Czech Republic take part in Road B of the European playoffs next month for the Winter World Cup
- Russia faces Poland in the playoffs in Moscow, and the winner will play the winner in Sweden against the Czech Republic
- The Czech Republic has joined Poland and Sweden in insisting they will not face Russia
The Czech Republic joined Poland and Sweden insisting they will not face Russia in a potential World Cup playoffs next month.
FIFA is facing increased pressure to oust Russia from the playoffs because of the president Vladimir Putin‘s invasion of Ukraine.
The Czech Republic currently have to play against Sweden on March 24th while fighting for its place at the World Cup in Qatar.
The winners of this match are then scheduled to face the winners of Russia’s clash with Poland – to decide who will take part in the tournament, which starts in November.
The president of the Polish federation, Cesari Kulesha, said that they would not play in the semifinals “in light of the escalation of the Russian Federation’s aggression against Ukraine – this is the only right decision.”
The Czech Republic has already posted a statement on its Twitter account agreeing that “it is not possible to play against the Russian national team.”
They wrote: “The Executive Committee of the Czech FA, the staff and players of the national team agreed that it is not possible to play against the Russian national team in the current situation, even in a neutral place. We all want the war to end as soon as possible.
Russian troops entered the second city of Ukraine, Kharkiv for one night of fierce fighting after President Vladimir Putin is said to be “furious” over his troubled invasion.
The Czech Republic has announced it will not play Russia in a potential World Cup play-off match next month.
“The executive committee of the Czech FA, the staff and players of the national team agreed that it is not possible to play against the Russian national team in the current situation, even in a neutral place.
We all want the war to end as soon as possible. ” pic.twitter.com/NQK6YGNoHJ
– Czech national football team (@ceskarepre_eng) February 27, 2022
Robert Lewandowski, Poland’s all-time record holder, backed his country’s decision to withdraw from their March 24 match against Russia.
Lewandowski was among many Polish players who supported the FA’s position. “I can’t imagine a match with the Russian national team in a situation where the armed aggression in Ukraine continues,” said the Bayern Munich striker.
“Russian footballers and fans are not responsible for this, but we cannot pretend that nothing is happening.”
Former Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny, now at Juventus, whose wife was born in Ukraine, said: “I refuse to play against players who choose to represent Russia’s values and principles. I refuse to take part in an event that legitimizes the actions of the Russian government.
Poland had to play Russia on March 24, with the winner then facing the Swedish winner against the Czech Republic
Robert Lewandowski agrees with his country’s decision not to play Russia in World Cup playoffs
The three nations also wrote a letter to FIFA that they will not play their playoffs in Russia.
The original plans were for Russia to host Poland and Sweden to host the Czech Republic. Russia would then host the match between the two winners.
FIFA is considering the situation as a matter of urgency, President Gianni Infantino said on Thursday, and while he hopes for a solution by March, the body has not yet responded to the three countries’ request.
“FIFA condemns the use of force by Russia in Ukraine and all forms of violence to resolve conflicts,” a statement said on Thursday.
The Czech Republic, Poland and Sweden have written a letter saying that qualifiers should not be played in Russia
“Violence is never a solution and FIFA calls on all countries to restore peace through constructive dialogue.
“FIFA also continues to express our solidarity with the people affected by this conflict. With regard to football issues in both Ukraine and Russia, and updates on the upcoming qualifiers for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar will be announced in due course. ”
Scotland are also due to host Ukraine at Hampden Park at the same stage of the play-offs for Qatar next month, but the match is in doubt after the Ukrainian Football League has been suspended for at least 30 days.
UEFA took one match from Russia, but refused to take them out of the qualifiers after a match on Friday
UEFA, meanwhile, has taken some action in response to the crisis, depriving St. Petersburg of the Champions League final, with the Stade de France in Paris already hosting the event in May.
Ukrainians were called upon to defend Kharkiv with Molotov weapons and cocktails after Russian troops broke through the center.
Putin, meanwhile, praised the special forces for “heroic military service,” although their invasion of Ukraine lags far behind schedule.
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