Poland And Sweden Refuse To Play Russia In World Cup Playoffs

WARSAW, Polska (AP) — Poland’s refusal to play its tourney qualifier against Russia next month in response to Russia’s invasion of state gained wider support once Sverige followed with its own plans to protest to FIFA on Saturday.

Polish association football federation president Cezary Kulesza declared Poland’s call and same it had been in talks with alternative federations to gift a unified position to FIFA, that is accountable for the March twenty four game in Moscow. “No additional words, time to act!” Kulesza wrote on Twitter, adding the move was prompted by the “escalation of the aggression.” Polska captain parliamentarian Lewandowski and goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny were among those supporting the decision, with the Bayern city striker spoken communication “we can’t faux that nothing is happening.” Sweden, a possible opponent of Russia in next month’s playoffs, later joined Poland in declaring its national team wouldn't play a match against the Russians no matter wherever it takes place. “The illicit and deeply unjust invasion of state presently makes all soccer fixtures with Russia impossible,” same Karl-Erik Nilsson, the Swedish federation’s chairman. “We thus urge FIFA to make a decision that the playoff matches in March within which Russia participates are going to be canceled.” The winner of the Poland-Russia match is thanks to host Sverige or the Czech Republic on March twenty nine for an area at the globe Cup being vie in Qatar from Nov. 21-Dec. 18. “We have a tough time believing,” Nilsson added, “that FIFA won't follow our call. Russia cannot be a part of as long as this madness continues.” Nilsson is additionally initial vp at UEFA which has stripped Russia of hosting the Champions League final in St. military campaign in May. UEFA determined Fri to maneuver that game to Paris. Lewandowski, Poland’s incomparable leading scorer and winner of FIFA’s best-player award for the past 2 years, supported Kulesza’s announcement. “I can’t imagine taking part in a match with the Russian National Team in a very scenario once armed aggression in state continues,” Lewandowski same on Twitter. “Russian footballers and fans aren't accountable for this, however we tend to can’t faux that nothing is happening.” FIFA has nevertheless to require a transparent position on Russia hosting or perhaps playing against Poland. European association football body UEFA same Fri that in its competitions all Russian and Ukrainian groups should currently move their home games to play in alternative countries. a possible precedent for action is from 1992. each FIFA and UEFA removed Yugoslavia from their competitions following sanctions obligatory by the UN at the occurrence of war there. Previously, Polska had solely said it didn't wish to play the qualifying contest match in Moscow. Russian troops ironed toward Ukraine’s capital Saturday, once an evening of explosions and street fighting that sent Kyiv residents seeking shelter underground. it had been not straight off clear however way Russian troops had advanced. Ukrainian officers according some success in keeping off assaults, however fighting persisted close to the capital.