Poland boycott Russia World Cup play-off as Ukraine aggression forces 'time to act' stance

Poland are refusing to play their World Cup play-off against Russia after the invasion of Ukraine.

Robert Lewandowski and co were due to face off against the Valeri Karpin's side in the first round of the play-off for Qatar 2022, but that has been thrown into doubt after war broke out in the region.

The winner of that fixture will face the Czech Republic or Sweden, but Poland have announced they do not intend to play the match.

The head of the nation's FA Cezary Kulesza tweeted: "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.

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

It remains to be seen how world football's governing body will react to the move, with the match due to be played next month.

Scotland are also in the play-offs and will take on Ukraine at Hampden, with the match to be played on March 24.