Poland refuse to play World Cup play-off against Russia

Poland have refused to play their World Cup play-off against Russia next month because of the country's invasion of Ukraine.

Cezary Kulesza, the president of the Polish Football Association, said they were in talks with their Swedish and Czech counterparts regarding the play-off matches.

The winner of Poland’s game with Russia is due to face Sweden or the Czech Republic for a place at Qatar 2022.

Kulesza tweeted: "No more works, time to act. In light of the escalation of the Russian Federation's aggression against Ukraine, the Polish national team is not going to play a match against Russian Republic.

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

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. https://t.co/rfnfbXzdjF

Russia is due to host Poland in the semi-finals of Path B of the World Cup playoffs on 24 March, with the winner hosting Sweden or the Czech Republic five days later.

Poland captain Robert Lewandowski supported the decision.

"I can't imagine playing a match with the Russian National Team in a situation when armed aggression in Ukraine continues," he tweeted.

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