The football associations of Poland, Sweden and the Czech Republic have called on FIFA to prevent Russia from hosting World Cup qualifiers next month.
Poland are due to face Russia in a play-off match in March in Moscow, as the final places at the World Cup in Qatar later this year are decided.
Sweden have been drawn again Czech Republic, with the winner of that facing whoever comes out on top between Poland and Russia.
However, the three associations have released a statement in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, confirming they will not be travelling to the country and insisting that FIFA and UEFA must now present other options.
The statement said: “Based on the current alarming development in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine including the security situation the Football Associations of Poland, Sweden and Czech Republic express their firm position that the playoff matches to qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, scheduled for 24 and 29 March 2022, should not be played in the territory of the Russian Federation.
“The signatories to this appeal do not consider travelling to Russia and playing football matches there. The military escalation that we are observing entails serious consequences and considerably lower safety for our national football teams and official delegations.
“Therefore, we expect FIFA and UEFA to react immediately and to present alternative solutions regarding places where these approaching playoff matches could be played.”
