making real sacrifices in football terms 'No more words!' - Poland football team refuse to play World Cup qualifier against Russia Ewan Roberts 20 hrs ago Like| The new Microsoft Start app Stay informed on the go with personalised news from trusted sources © Provided by MetroThe president of the Polish FA has slammed Russia’s invasion of Ukraine (Pictures: Getty) The Poland national football team are prepared to sacrifice their place in this year’s World Cup after declaring they are unwilling to play against Russia following the invasion of Ukraine. Poland were originally scheduled to travel to Moscow on March 24 for their World Cup qualification play-off match against Russia, with the winner then hosting either Sweden or Czech Republic for a place in next winter’s tournament in Qatar. Those three teams released a joint statement to FIFA saying Russia should not be allowed to host a World Cup qualifier, but now Poland have gone a step further. On Saturday morning, Polish FA president Cezary Kulesza tweeted: ‘No more words, time to act! Search for Best Tour Packages OnlineAdSearch Ads For the latest updates on the Russia-Ukraine war, visit our live blog: Russia-Ukraine live ‘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 the Russian national team. ‘This is the only right decision. We are in talks with the Sweden and Czech Republic federations to bring forward a common position to FIFA.’
IFIFA is a corrupt organisation that has got into bed with almost every despot and tyrannical regime on the planet. Russia should have been banned from all international competitions the moment it rolled into Crimea, never mind the rest of Ukraine. Instead, they were awarded a World Cup. FIFA are bent b@stards and everyone knows it.
If all the major nations of Europe and South America stood in solidarity with Poland and Ukraine FIFA would have to disqualify Russia whether they want to or not. It wouldn't be much of a tournament with Russia playing Qatar 30 times....
Because of the tripe that Putin is spouting the Russian people are being kept in the dark. The ostracising of the Soviets in sport will make them question why world opinion is against them.
In times like this everything should be a statement. Sport, entertainment, politics, economics...everything. Russia should be treated like a pariah state until they pull their troops out of Ukraine.
I disagree with that entirely. Sport is a way of garnering respect for a country and a source of pride for the population of that country. When a country behaves reprehensibly it shouldn't be allowed to generate national pride
Imho....everyone should just refuse to play them. Give fifa the problem they darent ban anyone ....so effectively take the initiative. Football's governing body have proved they are ineffective and not fit for purpose. Ok to fine us for wearing poppies...or a £10 fine for racist clubs......wonder what they would have done with the nazis.
That's true Helen, but cutting the South African regime from sport during the apartheid era, although a symbolic gesture... it really hurt them.
But there were those saying that shouldn't happen.. Tbh I think now they've invaded whether or not they're in the world Cup ( which they haven't yet qualified for) won't bother them.
I don't think politics should get involved in sport, but sport definitely should get involved in politics.
Sorry Helen but it should absolutely be mixed with sport. This isn't a borderline issue with grey areas. Russian actions, not just with regard to Ukraine, are way beyond the pale and should be countered with blanket boycots across the board. Let Putin explain to the Russian population why the whole world is refusing to deal with them culturally, financially and in sport.
I agree. Think if all countries did this to countries what invaded. They will be nobody dealing or playing against eachother