Because of the invasion by Ukraine, Poland and Sweden have refused to play Russia in World Cup qualifiers.

Due to the invasion of Ukraine by , Sweden and Poland's nationwide soccer groups is not going to face Russia in pivotal FIFA World Cup playoff qualifiers in March.

Cezary Kulesza, president of the Polish soccer affiliation, tweeted Saturday that it was "time to behave!"

He wrote that the Polish nationwide workforce wouldn't be taking part in the match in opposition to Russia due to Russia's aggression in the direction of Ukraine.

Later, Sweden's soccer federation joined Poland's name and declared in a assertion that they will not play in opposition to Russia "regardless the place it's performed". In addition they requested FIFA to cancel any playoff matches the place Russia is collaborating, in response to CBS Sports activities.

 

Though the Czech Republic's soccer affiliation has not but commented on Sweden and Poland's actions, they joined them in anletter on Thursday to assist transfer the video games from Russia.

Russia was scheduled to face Poland in a semifinal playoff match in Moscow on March 24, and the winner would then face the victor between Sweden or the Czech Republic. They have been because of play in the identical place in Sweden on the identical day. The winner can be invited to the World Cup in Qatar later within the yr.

This response comes simply days after FIFA President Gianni Infantino did not cancel the playoffs or condemn Russian President Vladimir Putin's actions, which Infantino had praised previously. Putin, the 2018 World Cup host, offered Infantino with a friendship medal in 2019.

Robert Lewandowski, a Bayern Munich and Polish star, supported the choice to not play in opposition to Russia.

It's the proper resolution! He mentioned. "I can not think about taking part in a match in opposition to the Russian Nationwide Group when there may be armed aggression in Ukraine." This isn't the fault of Russian soccer followers and gamers, nevertheless it's unattainable to fake that nothing is happening.
Russia intensified its assault on Ukraine Saturday night time. Putin's army launched coordinated artillery assaults and missile strikes, concentrating on key areas in Kyiv in addition to different cities.