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Football: Poland through to World Cup play-off final as FIFA bans Russia over invasion of Ukraine

08.03.2022 23:00
Football’s world governing body FIFA on Tuesday banned Russia from the play-offs for this winter’s World Cup in Qatar, giving Poland a bye to the play-off final.
Footballs world governing body FIFA on Tuesday banned Russia from the play-offs for this winters World Cup in Qatar, giving Poland a bye to the play-off final.
Football’s world governing body FIFA on Tuesday banned Russia from the play-offs for this winter’s World Cup in Qatar, giving Poland a bye to the play-off final. Photo: Pixabay

The match will take place on March 29, with Poland hosting the winners of the game between Sweden and the Czech Republic, public broadcaster Polish Radio’s IAR news agency reported.

Poland was due to face Russia in the play-off semi-final, but said it was boycotting the game after Russian President Vladimir Putin launched a military invasion of Ukraine on February 24.   

FIFA initially said Russia could feature in the World Cup if the teаm chаnged its nаme to the “Footbаll Union of Russiа (RFU)” аnd plаyed in а neutrаl venue, without the country’s flаg or nаtionаl аnthem.

However, the Polish federation maintained its stance, with Sweden and the Czech Republic also vowing they would not play Russia. After more countries followed suit, FIFA changed its position.

The world governing body’s Tuesday decision means Poland is now one win away from a spot in Qatar.

The head of Poland’s football association, Cezary Kulesza, praised FIFA’s move, writing on Twitter: “Russian football must face the consequences of the war in Ukraine. No tolerance for a country that murders civilians.”

He added: “We proved that football solidarity makes sense! And we continue to support Ukraine.“ 

(pm)

Source: IAR, fifa.com