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dpa
Berlin
Bayern Munich superstar Robert Lewandowski and other Poland players have backed the decision of their federation (PZPN) to refuse to play Russia in the semi-final of their World Cup play-off next month.
“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,” Poland captain Lewandowski wrote on Twitter.
“Russian footballers and fans are not responsible for this, but we can’t pretend that nothing is happening.”
Lewandowski quoted a tweet from PZPN president Cezary Kulesza announcing the decision in which he said: “No more words, time for action! “In connection with the escalation of the aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine, the Polish national team is not going to play a play-off match with Russia. This is the only right decision.”
Polish President Andrzej Duda commended the decision, saying “You don’t play bandits!” Poland had previously demanded world football governing body FIFA move the tie from Russia, who were due to host the match on March 24, which it declined to do immediately.
“FIFA condemns the use of force by Russia in Ukraine and any type of violence to resolve conflicts,” it said in a statement Thursday.
“Regarding football matters in both Ukraine and Russia, FIFA will continue to monitor the situation and updates in relation to the upcoming FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 qualifiers will be communicated in due course.”
European governing body UEFA reacted quicker on Friday by saying Russian, and Ukranian clubs, must find neutral venues from home matches in its competitions.
The Czech Republic and Sweden - who could be scheduled to visit Russia in a potential March 29 play-off final for a place in Qatar later this year - had also called on games to be moved from Russia.
Kulesza said Saturday the Polish federation was in talks with its Czech and Swedish counterparts “to present a common position to FIFA.”
Lewandowski had said on Friday he would hold discussions with his team-mates as to whether they wished to face Russia and “present it to the president of the Polish Football Association as soon as possible.”
Midfielder Mateusz Klich said in a statement the players and association had decided “together” that they would not face Russia.
“It is not an easy decision, but there are more important things in life than football.
“Our thoughts are with the Ukranian nation and our friend from the national team, Tomasz Kedziora, who is still in Kiev with his family.” Several sports have already cancelled or relocated events away from Russia following the invasion of Ukraine this week.
Berlin
Bayern Munich superstar Robert Lewandowski and other Poland players have backed the decision of their federation (PZPN) to refuse to play Russia in the semi-final of their World Cup play-off next month.
“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,” Poland captain Lewandowski wrote on Twitter.
“Russian footballers and fans are not responsible for this, but we can’t pretend that nothing is happening.”
Lewandowski quoted a tweet from PZPN president Cezary Kulesza announcing the decision in which he said: “No more words, time for action! “In connection with the escalation of the aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine, the Polish national team is not going to play a play-off match with Russia. This is the only right decision.”
Polish President Andrzej Duda commended the decision, saying “You don’t play bandits!” Poland had previously demanded world football governing body FIFA move the tie from Russia, who were due to host the match on March 24, which it declined to do immediately.
“FIFA condemns the use of force by Russia in Ukraine and any type of violence to resolve conflicts,” it said in a statement Thursday.
“Regarding football matters in both Ukraine and Russia, FIFA will continue to monitor the situation and updates in relation to the upcoming FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 qualifiers will be communicated in due course.”
European governing body UEFA reacted quicker on Friday by saying Russian, and Ukranian clubs, must find neutral venues from home matches in its competitions.
The Czech Republic and Sweden - who could be scheduled to visit Russia in a potential March 29 play-off final for a place in Qatar later this year - had also called on games to be moved from Russia.
Kulesza said Saturday the Polish federation was in talks with its Czech and Swedish counterparts “to present a common position to FIFA.”
Lewandowski had said on Friday he would hold discussions with his team-mates as to whether they wished to face Russia and “present it to the president of the Polish Football Association as soon as possible.”
Midfielder Mateusz Klich said in a statement the players and association had decided “together” that they would not face Russia.
“It is not an easy decision, but there are more important things in life than football.
“Our thoughts are with the Ukranian nation and our friend from the national team, Tomasz Kedziora, who is still in Kiev with his family.” Several sports have already cancelled or relocated events away from Russia following the invasion of Ukraine this week.
