Poland is refusing to play its World Cup qualifier against Russia on March 24 "in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine." Polish Soccer Federation President Cezary Kulesza announced Poland’s decision and said that it was "in talks with other federations to present a unified position to FIFA." Sweden on Saturday also followed with "its own plans to protest to FIFA" (AP, 2/26). Meanwhile, the Czech Republic FA have said that its national team "will not play Russia should both teams meet in the World Cup play-offs." The decision "ramps up the pressure on FIFA to reach a resolution," with every team on Russia’s qualification pathway "now refusing to play them" (THEATHLETIC.com, 2/27).
French Football Federation President Noel Le Graet said that Russia "should be expelled" from this years FIFA World Cup after invading Ukraine. Le Graet: "The world of sport, and especially football, cannot remain neutral. I certainly would not oppose the expulsion of Russia" (AFP, 2/27).
