The Czech Republic will refuse to face Russia if the two teams have to compete, at the end of March, for a place in the repechage for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. The decision was announced by the Czech federation on Sunday, following in the footsteps of Poland and Sweden. .
“The Czech national team will not, under any circumstances, play an eventual match against Russia in the World Cup play-off,” the statement said.
Poland, who were due to face the Russians in Moscow on March 24 in the semi-finals, and Sweden, who could face the same opponents on March 29 if they advanced to the final, announced a similar decision on Saturday.
Questioned by AFP on Saturday, FIFA did not react to the announcements by Poles and Swedes. So far, the entity has not taken action against Russia and has only expressed “concern”.
Pressure is mounting on the world football body amid the reactions and measures announced by other sports federations, clubs and event organizers after the Russian attack on Ukraine.
On Saturday, the Swedish government proposed “a boycott of sporting relations” with Russia “for the duration of the invasion of Ukraine”.
Among the most important measures announced in recent days is the one taken by Uefa regarding the host of this year’s Champions League final. The match would be played in Saint Petersburg and will now be held on May 28 at the Stade de France in Paris.
Source: Gazetaesportiva
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