Poland Refuses To Play World Cup Qualifier Against Russia

Poland has said it will not play in a World Cup qualifier against Russia in the wake of its invasion of Ukraine.

The nations were due to face off next month, but the president of Poland's Football Association, Cezary Kulesza, has said pulling out of the match was the 'only right decision'.

He tweeted: "No more words, time to act!"

No more words, time to act! Due to the escalation of the aggression of the Russian Federation towards Ukraine the Polish national team does not intend to play the play-off match against Russia. We are in talks with 🇸🇪 and 🇨🇿 federations to bring forward a joint statement to FIFA.

— Cezary Kulesza (@Czarek_Kulesza) February 26, 2022

Russia is due to host Poland in the semi-finals of its strand of the World Cup playoffs on 24 March, before taking on either Sweden or the Czech Republic on 29 March, if they progress.

Poland's star striker Robert Lewandowski backed the decision to withdraw from the match.

He tweeted: "It is the right decision! I can't imagine playing a match with the Russian National Team in a situation when armed aggression in Ukraine continues.

"Russian footballers and fans are not responsible for this, but we can't pretend that nothing is happening."

Yesterday (Friday 25 February), Russia was stripped of the Champions League final, which was due to take place in May in St Petersburg - the home city of Russian president Vladimir Putin.

The final will now take place in Paris.

"UEFA wishes to express its thanks and appreciation to French President Emmanuel Macron for his personal support and commitment to have European club football's most prestigious game moved to France at a time of unparalleled crisis," a statement from European football's governing body said.

"Together with the French government, UEFA will fully support multi-stakeholder efforts to ensure the provision of rescue for football players and their families in Ukraine who face dire human suffering, destruction and displacement."

Meanwhile, motor sport's world governing body the FIA announced that September's Formula One Russian Grand Prix had been cancelled.

The decisions were welcomed by the British Government, with Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries saying: "Our message is clear: Russia must not be able to legitimise their heinous and barbaric attack on Ukraine by hosting international sporting and cultural events."

If you would like to donate to the Red Cross Emergency Appeal, which will help provide food, medicines and basic medical supplies, shelter and water to those in Ukraine, click here for more information