Poland, Sweden and the Czech Republic have announced that they will not play against Russia in the play-off match for promotion to the World Cup. All because of the Russian attack on Ukraine and the hostilities that are taking place in that country.
On Friday, UEFA announced a change in the organizer of the Champions League final. This one was supposed to be held in Saint Petersburg, but it will be played in Paris. By UEFA’s decision, Russian and Ukrainian clubs and national teams will play their matches in international competitions on neutral grounds.
This decision, however, does not apply to the Russia-Poland play-off match for promotion to the world championship. This must be taken by FIFA, because it is the organizer of the elimination. According to the information from “The New York Times”, an extraordinary meeting took place on Sunday, during which the sanctions to be imposed on Russia were agreed.
FIFA made a decision on Russia
Soon after, FIFA made an official decision. It shows that, at least for the time being, Russia has not been excluded from the tournament. Its clubs and the national team will play their home games in neutral territories without the participation of fans.
Moreover, the national team of this country will not play under the name of “Russia” but “Russian Football Association”. The Russians will also not be able to use their flag and anthem.
The FIFA communiqué does not mention the Poles’ match, as it concerns the general conditions for admission to Russia’s matches. In all competitions. The fact that the Russia – Poland match in el. the World Cup is to take place, it results from the very assumption that FIFA did not make any corrections in the set of pairs of the World Cup play-offs. So it can be logically concluded that neither the date nor the rival of the Poles will change.
The New York Times noted that FIFA’s decision is not final. According to the daily, Russia will be excluded from the tournament if the attack on Ukraine is not stopped. FIFA’s decision may also be influenced by Poland, Sweden, the Czech Republic and other federations that refuse to play for Russia and are exerting pressure to exclude her from the competition.
On Tuesday, Minister of Sport Kamil Bortniczuk and President of the Polish Football Association Cezary Kulesza will meet with the head of FIFA Gianni Infantino. – We want Russia to be excluded from the games played by FIFA, i.e. Play-off matches for the World Cup in Qatar. Russians should be excluded from all sports competition. It’s not about making your way to the World Cup easier. After all, FIFA could indicate another rival for Poland. We are ready for a different team to replace Russia, for example another team in which Russia has played -.
The Russia – Poland match in Moscow was to be held on March 24.
Source: Sport
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