Poland and Sweden are refusing to play Russia for a spot in the 2022 World Cup because of Russia’s decision to invade Ukraine.
The president of Poland’s soccer association said Saturday morning that the country would not be playing Russia following the invasion earlier this week. Poland was drawn against Russia in Path B for one of the three available World Cup spots through UEFA’s qualifying playoffs.
The southeast border of Poland is next to Ukraine and many Ukrainians had fled to Poland in recent days after Russia attempted its unlawful and unprovoked invasion of the country.
Poland’s refusal to play against Russia comes after Poland, Sweden and the Czech Republic said they wouldn’t play a qualifier in Russia because of the invasion. Sweden adopted the same stance as Poland on Saturday, saying it also would not play Russia in the World Cup playoff “regardless of where the match is played,” per The Guardian.
The Czech Republic is the other team in Path B; the winner of Poland vs. Russia would play the winner of Sweden vs. Czech Republic for a spot in the World Cup.
Poland captain Robert Lewandowski is in full support of his country’s decision not to play against Russia. The Bayern Munich striker is one of the most well-known players in the world and his words carry significant weight in world soccer.—AFP
