Swedish FA chairman: World Cup play-off vs Russia almost unimaginable

Considering

Vladimir Putin

's verdict to send soldiers into Ukraine, the president of the Swedish Football Association (SvFF) has conceded that a

2022 World Cup

play-off match with Russia is "almost unthinkable" at this time. 

Political tensions in Eastern Europe are rising, with the Russian military entering Ukraine. 

These activities may influence sports concerns since Russia is scheduled to compete in critical matches that will determine who will compete in big finals in Qatar.

Two high-profile matches might take place on Russian soil, with the winner of a match between Russia and Poland on March 24 facing the winners of a game between Sweden and the Czech Republic. 

The Swedish FA's head,

Karl-Erik Nilsson

, has recognized, however, that such a journey would be tough for his country. 

He has told 

Reuters

:

“It's a possible scenario. Spontaneously around the feelings we have as we wake up this morning are that it is almost unthinkable that we in a few weeks would play a football match in Russia.

“As it looks here and now, today, there is absolutely no desire to play a football match in Russia.”

He added:

“Our thoughts go to our friends in Ukraine over the situation they woke up to today, it's awful. Football should be seen as something of less importance in the middle of this inferno.”

There have been calls that Russia be removed from consideration for World Cup qualifying, but Nilsson believes it is too early to make such a decision. 

The 64-year-old former referee said:

“I believe that [in these situations] much is called for very quickly - we will need to live and socialize even in the future, and I think we shouldn't be too quick with solutions.

“Instead, we should take our time and see what actions are needed. For the moment we are looking forward to arms being laid down and that peace and freedom come into existence.”

"It's important that the requests come from Ukraine," he continued when asked whether the demands of people in Ukraine might affect football's reaction to a developing war.

“At the moment they have a lot more to think about than football, but a future will arrive one day and we must show solidarity with our football friends around Europe.”

On March 24, Ukraine will compete in a play-off match against Scotland for the opportunity to meet either Wales or Austria in the Path A final. 

They will also play in the

UEFA Nations League

this summer, with the Republic of Ireland visiting Lviv on June 14.

The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) has said in a statement relating to that fixture:

“The FAI will continue to communicate on an ongoing basis with our Government, our colleagues at UEFA and the Ukraine Association of Football with regards to the latest developments and the implications for the Ukraine v Republic of Ireland fixture in the UEFA Nations League, currently fixed for Lviv on Tuesday, June 14th.

“

The FAI will also welcome Ukraine to Dublin on June 4th for the opening fixture in the UEFA Nations League campaign. The FAI awaits the outcome of the UEFA ExCo meeting on Friday, February 25th which has been called to discuss the current situation in the Ukraine.”

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