The first decisions regarding Russian athletes after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine have already been taken. and UEFA suspended Russian clubs and national team, the FIVB deprived Russia of the right to host this year’s world volleyball championships, and the International Paralympic Committee did not let Russian paralympics go to the Beijing Olympics.
For Poles, however, the FIFA decision was the most important. R at all costs did not want to play games with Russia for promotion to the world championship in Qatar, but it was not known for a long time: what next? The federation took a long time to decide whether Poland would get a walkover or face another rival. Ultimately, on Tuesday, a decision was made to forfeit and advance the Polish team to the play-off finals.
Swedes outraged. They do not want a walkover for the Polish national team
The decision was met with enormous indignation by the Swedes, who may be Poles’ rivals in the decisive struggle for promotion. Representatives of the local union believe that the decision is unfair and that Poles should play with someone else and not get a walkover.
– We made it clear and in contact with FIFA we informed about how we look at the upcoming play-offs. We believe that it would be most reasonable and just in terms of sport if Poland got a new rival in the semi-finals, said the secretary general of the Swedish federation, Hakan Sjoestrand. – We understand that this is a difficult nuisance for FIFA, but nevertheless, the principle should apply to play under the same conditions, i.e. play and win two matches. Now Poland will gain an advantage in the play-off final – he added.
The coach of the Swedish national team also spoke in a similar vein about the walkover for the Polish national team. – FIFA finally made the right decision when it comes to Russia, but it is completely inappropriate from a sports point of view. However, we are focusing only on the match against the Czech Republic. We want to go to the world championships and we will do everything to get there – he announced.
The final match of the play-offs for the promotion to the world championship in Qatar will be held on March 29 at the Silesian Stadium in Chorzów.
Source: Sport
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