On March 24th, Russia will host Poland in the World Cup play-off semi-finals. Should they win, they will face either Sweden or the Czech Republic on March 29th.
"The Football Associations of Poland (PZPN), Sweden (SvFF), and the Czech Republic (FACR) underline their clear opinion that the playoff matches... should not be played on Russian Federation territory," they said in a statement.
"The military escalation that we are witnessing has major ramifications and puts our national football teams and official delegations in jeopardy."
FIFA and UEFA are expected to respond quickly, according to the associations.
"Swedish football is outraged by what we now see unfolding in Ukraine," the Swedish FA added in a separate statement. The situation is critical, and all we can hope for is that this unjust invasion would come to a stop as quickly as possible. Our thoughts are with all those in Ukraine who have been affected.
"We participate in news reporting, as well as government officials' and representatives' opinions and recommendations. The SvFF is also waiting for instructions from the international federations, UEFA and FIFA, on how Russia will participate in international competitions.
"However, our own view is that, as things stand now, playing a probable World Cup play-off match in Moscow against Russia on March 29 will be difficult."
"The football associations of the Czech Republic, Poland, and Sweden urge that the prospective World Cup play-off match be moved from Russia," the Czech Republic national team's Twitter account tweeted. During Thursday's meeting, all three associations reached a consensus and informed FIFA and UEFA of the requirement."
FIFA said it will keep an eye on the issue and provide updates as needed. "FIFA condemns Russia's use of force in Ukraine, as well as any other kind of violence used to resolve problems." In a statement, FIFA said, "Violence is never a solution, and FIFA urges on all sides to restore peace via constructive discussion."
St Petersburg, Russia, is expected to lose the Champions League final this year. The match will be rescheduled at a special meeting of the UEFA Executive Committee on Friday.
The Ukrainian Football Association has requested that FIFA and UEFA prohibit Russian clubs and national teams from competing in international events.
Russia is also set to host the UEFA Super Cup in Kazan in August 2023.
blogpay
