Czechs join Poland, Sweden in refusing to play Russia

PRAGUE: The Czech Republic joined Poland and Sweden on Sunday in rejecting the to play Russia in the 2022 World Cup qualifying next month in response to that nation’s invasion of Ukraine. The Czech soccer association’s executive committee said it “unanimously approved a decision that the Czech national team will not in any case play Russia.” The soccer federations of Poland and Sweden made the same decision on Saturday.

The Czech Republic is a potential opponent of Russia in next month’s playoffs. The winner of the Poland-Russia match is due to host Sweden or the Czech Republic on March 29 for a place at the World Cup being played in Qatar from Nov.

21-Dec. 18.