February 23 – With pressure growing on UEFA to shift the Champions League final away from Saint Petersburg over the Russian invasion in Ukraine, Poland has demanded that FIFA clarify the fate of their World Cup playoff against Russia.
The Polish will face the Russians in the first step of the playoffs on the road to the World Cup in Qatar, but with Russia’s military has been ordered to enter Ukrainian territory in tensions that could see an all-out war, Poland’s Football Association (PZPN) wants the world federation to provide proper guidance on what will happen to the country’s crucial qualifiers.
On Monday, Russian President Vladimir Putin officially recognised two separatist regions in eastern Ukraine, driving tensions with the West to an unprecedented level, raising the spectre of war. The move increased pressure on UEFA to move the Champions League final, the showpiece match of the European club season, away from Russia, and now sparked the PZPN to question the match with Russia on 24 March.
“The Polish FA has asked FIFA to urgently clarify the issues related to the organisation of the match,” said the PZPN in a statement. Given the importance of the match, the Polish Fa wants to ensure its team can prepare in optimal conditions.
“However, being aware of potential threats connected to the current situation, we are waiting for the position of the world federation authorities,” said the PZPN.
The winner of the match will face Sweden or the Czech Republic for a place at Qatar 2022.
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