Czech Republic will refuse to face Russia if the two teams had to compete at the end of March for a place in the Qatar-2022 World Cup in the playoffsas a protest against the invasion of Ukraine, the Czech Football Federation announced on Sunday, following in the footsteps of Poland and Sweden.
“Czech national team will not play in any case a possible match against Russia in the playoffs for the World Cup,” the Czech Federation wrote in its statement.
Poland, which was due to play against the Russians in Moscow on March 24 in the semi-finals of their play-off, and Sweden, that they could have faced Russia on the 29th of that month if they surpassed their semifinal against the Czech Republic, announced a similar decision on Saturday.
Asked on Saturday AFPthe International Football Federation (FIFA) did not react to the ads of Poles and Swedes.
So far, the FIFA has not taken action against Russia and was limited on Thursday to show “concerned” in the face of a “tragic and disturbing” situationaccording to its president, Gianni Infantino.
The pressure is intensifying in the world football body, while other sports federations, clubs or event organizers did take action after the Russian attack on Ukraine.
On Saturday, the Swedish government proposed “a boycott of sports relations” with Russia “While the invasion of Ukraine lasts.”
“The Czech FA executive committee, staff members and players of the national team agreed it’s not possible to play against the Russian national team in the current situation, not even on the neutral venue.
We all want the war to end as soon as possible.” pic.twitter.com/NQK6YGNoHJ
— Czech Football National Team (@ceskarepre_eng) February 27, 2022
Between the most important measures announced in recent days is the one taken by UEFA regarding the venue for this year’s Champions League final, that it was going to be played in Saint Petersburg and that it will finally take place on May 28 at the Stade de France in Paris.
On Sunday, on the fourth day of the offensive launched against Ukraine by Russian President Vladimir Putin, the battle for control of Kiev continued in a context marked by a new accentuation of Western pressure against Moscow through the exclusion of banks. Russians from the Swift interbank platform and the supply of weapons to Ukraine. (D)
Source: Eluniverso
Ricardo is a renowned author and journalist, known for his exceptional writing on top-news stories. He currently works as a writer at the 247 News Agency, where he is known for his ability to deliver breaking news and insightful analysis on the most pressing issues of the day.
