Head coach Czesław Michniewicz informed Rybus about the decision last week, Poland’s Football Association (PZPN) announced on Monday.
Rybus, 32, has played his club football in Russia since 2012, with the exception of a season spent in France. He is married to a Russian woman.
After Vladimir Putin invaded Ukraine on February 24, Michniewicz decided not to include Rybus in the national team, saying he wanted “to spare him the controversy” that would follow.
Earlier this month, after his contract with Lokomotiv Moscow expired, Rybus agreed to join Spartak Moscow on a two-year deal.
He said he did it for the sake of his family, news outlets reported.
Rybus’ decision to stay in Russia, despite the war in Ukraine, drew much criticism in Poland, including from Deputy Foreign Minister Marcin Przydacz.
The deputy foreign minister tweeted that Rybus had been motivated by money, adding that “hopefully there won’t be a place for him in the national team anymore.”
Rybus has played 66 times for Poland, scoring two goals. He featured at the 2012 and 2020 European championships and the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
The 2022 World Cup will be held in Qatar from November 21 to December 18.
Poland have been drawn to play Argentina, Mexico and Saudi Arabia in the group stage of the tournament.
The Polish team qualified for the World Cup after defeating Sweden 2-0 in a playoff at home in late March.
(pm/gs)
Source: IAR, PAP, pzpn.pl