Poland has decided to boycott their World Cup play-off against Russia because of the invasion of Ukraine. Robert Lewandowski who is the skipper of the team came out to say “we can’t pretend that nothing is happening”.
Polish football association president Cezary Kulesza also agreed with the Bayern striker saying the team “does not intend” to play the game. Russia was to host Poland in Moscow on the 24th of March, while Ukraine travel to Scotland on the same day but with the invasion, it will not be possible again.
Lewandowski on his tweeter handle said the decision to boycott the game is the right decision. On Thursday, Fifa said they will monitor the situation after Poland, Sweden and the Czech Republic said in a joint statement that play-off matches should not be played in Russia.
The winner of the play-off tie between Sweden and the Czech Republic could meet Russia for a place at the World Cup finals, which get underway in Qatar in November. Sweden has Poland in saying they will not play against Russia regardless of where the match is played because of the “illegal and deeply unjust invasion of Ukraine”. The country’s football association also urged Fifa to cancel the play-off matches involving Russia.
The country’s football association also urged Fifa to cancel the play-off matches involving Russia. Football teams are not the only ones in line with the decision to boycott as many sports governing bodies, clubs, and players have reacted to the Russian invasion of Ukraine by canceling or postponing events due to be held in the region.