MX23RW : Sunday, November 24 17:22:12| >> :600:181231:181231:

Poland refuse to play World Cup qualifier against Russia

Poland refuse to play World Cup qualifier against Russia
© Reuters
The Polish FA announce that Poland will refuse to play their World Cup 2022 qualifying playoff semi-final with Russia following the invasion of Ukraine.

Poland have announced that they will not play their World Cup 2022 qualifying playoff match with Russia after Russian forces invaded Ukraine.

After finishing second in Group I behind England, Poland set up a showdown with Russia - who were runners-up to Croatia in Group H - in semi-final Path B on March 24.

The winner would be due to take on Sweden or the Czech Republic five days later, but with the situation in Eastern Europe escalating, the Polish FA have insisted that it is "time to act".

A spokesman told Sky Sports News: "No more words, it's 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.

"This is the only right decision. We are in talks with the Swedish and Czech federations to bring forward a common position to FIFA."

Poland's decision was supported on social media by stars such as Robert Lewandowski and Mateusz Klich, with compatriot Tomasz Kedziora currently on the books at Dynamo Kiev.

Ukraine are also scheduled to take part in the Qatar 2022 playoffs against Scotland in their semi-final before a potential clash with Wales or Austria for a place at the World Cup.

ID:479248:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:collect2462:

Click here for more stories about Robert Lewandowski

Click here for more stories about Poland

Collect / Create New Data
Share this article now:
Robert Lewandowski in action for Poland on June 8, 2021
Read Next:
Poland Euro 2020 preview - prediction, fixtures, squad, star player
>
Sports Mole Logo
Enter your email address to subscribe to Sports Mole's free daily transfer newsletter! Sent twice a day during the transfer window.
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
6pm
Vikings
@
Bears
6pm
Lions
@
Colts
6pm
Patriots
@
Dolphins
6pm
Buccaneers
@
Giants
6pm
Chiefs
@
Panthers
6pm
Titans
@
Texans
6pm
Cowboys
@
Washington
9.05pm
Broncos
@
Raiders
9.25pm
49ers
@
Packers
9.25pm
Cardinals
@
Seahawks
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool1210112481631
2Manchester CityMan City127232217523
3Chelsea126422314922
4Arsenal126422112922
5Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton126422116522
6Tottenham HotspurSpurs1261527131419
7Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest125431513219
8Aston Villa125431919019
9Newcastle UnitedNewcastle115331311218
10Fulham125341717018
11Brentford125252222017
12Manchester UnitedMan Utd114341212015
13Bournemouth124351617-115
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham113351319-612
15Everton122551017-711
16Leicester CityLeicester122461523-810
17Wolverhampton WanderersWolves122372028-89
18Crystal Palace121561017-78
19Ipswich TownIpswich111551222-108
20Southampton121110924-154


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!