The Polish FA has confirmed that it has no plans to play Russia in next month’s World Cup qualifier against Ukraine.
The two are expected to clash in Russia on March 24, with Sweden or the Czech Republic likely to face a trip to Moscow five days later if Russia wins.
But following a joint statement on Friday when the governing bodies of Poland, Sweden, and the Czech Republic condemned Russian violence against Ukraine, the head of the Polish FA, Cezary Kulesza, has now confirmed that his country is not serious about playing.
“No more words, it’s time to take action! “Because of the escalating violence in the Russian Federation against Ukraine, the Polish national team does not intend to play a play-off match against Russia,” Kulesza wrote on social media.
“This is the only right decision. We are in talks with the Swedish and Czech Republic federations to bring the same perspective to FIFA. ”
His stance was immediately backed by Polish striker Robert Lewandowski on social media, with Bayern Munich striker writing: “The right decision! I can’t imagine playing a game with the Russian National Team in a situation where armed violence in Ukraine continues.
“Russian footballers and fans are not to blame for this, but we cannot pretend that nothing is happening.”
Following the full statement of the Polish players, a number of players joined the media: “We, the players of the Polish national team, and the Polish Football Association, have decided that because of the Russian violence against Ukraine, we are not doing that. aims to play in the play-off match against Russia.
“It is not an easy decision, but there are more important things in life than football. Our thoughts are with the Ukrainian nation and our national team friend, Tomasz Kędziora, who is still in Kyiv with his family. #SolidarnizUkrainq #NoWarPlease. “
