The Polish football association has reacted angrily to FIFA’s decision not to expel Russia from World Cup qualifying.
This comes after the Bureau of the FIFA Council on Sunday unanimously decided to let Russia continue their qualification campaign despite Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which has received condemnation worldwide.
“To address football-related matters and in coordination with UEFA, the Bureau of the FIFA Council – involving the FIFA President and the six Confederation Presidents – has unanimously decided to take immediate first measures, in line with recommendations from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and that will be applicable until further notice:
• No international competition shall be played on the territory of Russia, with “home” matches being played on neutral territory and without spectators
• The member association representing Russia shall participate in any competition under the name “Football Union of Russia (RFU)” and not “Russia”
• No flag or anthem of Russia will be used in matches where teams from the Football Union of Russia participate FIFA will continue its ongoing dialogue with the IOC, UEFA and other sport organisations to determine any additional measures or sanctions, including a potential exclusion from competitions, that shall be applied in the near future should the situation not be improving rapidly. The Bureau of the FIFA Council remains on standby to take any of these decisions
Russia are scheduled to play Poland in a World Cup qualification playoff semifinal on March 24, but president of the Polish FA Cezary Kulesza has reiterated the association’s decision to refuse to play Russia.
“Today’s FIFA decision is unacceptable to us,” Kulesza said. “In the situation of the war in Ukraine, we are not interested in the game of appearances.
“Our position remains the same: the Polish national team WILL NOT PLAY against Russia in the playoff match, regardless of the name of the Russian team.”
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