February 28 – England has become the latest country to refuse to play international fixtures against Russia.
The English FA said it would not play Russia “for the foreseeable future” following the invasion of Ukraine.
“Out of solidarity with Ukraine and to wholeheartedly condemn the atrocities being committed by the Russian leadership, the FA can confirm that we won’t play against Russia in any international fixtures for the foreseeable future,” a statement said.
“This includes any potential match at any level of senior age group or para football.”
Russia are due to participate in the Women’s European Championship in July, which is being hosted by England.
The English move followed that of the Czech Republic, Poland and Sweden, all of whom have said they will refuse to play Russia, throwing the upcoming World Cup playoff programme into total confusion.
Russia are set to face Poland at home in a World Cup playoff on March 24, with winner due to host Sweden or the Czech Republic five days later for a place in the finals in Qatar.
But newly-elected Polish Football Association president Cezary Kulesza was quoted as saying: “No more words, time to act! Due to the escalation of the aggression of the Russian Federation towards Ukraine, the Polish national team does not intend to play the play-off match against the republic of Russia.”
The Czech FA’s executive committee said it “unanimously approved a decision that the Czech national team will not in any event play Russia” while Sweden said they would not meet Russia “regardless of where the match is played”.
Both statements would appear to rule out even playing on neutral ground, with a decision by FIFA now needed urgently in terms of how to re-organise that particular play-off path.
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