Poland, Sweden & Czech don't want Russia as Qatar 2022 play-off host
After Russia's assault into Ukraine, Poland, Sweden, and the Czech Republic have urged for measures on their Qatar 2022 qualifiers with Russia.
Owing to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the respective football organizations of
Poland
,
Sweden
, and the
Czech Republic
have stated that Russia should not be permitted to host World Cup qualification play-off fixtures.
The four nations are on the same UEFA qualification track for Qatar 2022, with Russia hosting Poland next month. Should they win that match, they will host the winner of Sweden's match against the Czech Republic.
Following President Vladimir Putin's choice to initiate military action against Ukraine, the three countries issued a joint announcement saying they would not contemplate playing matches in Russia, and that a neutral location should be sought.
"Based on the current alarming development in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, including the security situation, the Football Associations of Poland (PZPN), Sweden (SvFF) and Czech Republic (FACR) express their firm position that the play-off matches to qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, scheduled for 24 and 29 March, should not be played in the territory of the Russian Federation," the joint statement read.
"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."
After placing second in their individual qualifying groups, Russia, Poland, and Sweden all guaranteed their spots in the second-stage playoffs.
The Czech Republic joined them as one of the two best-ranked Nations League finishers who had not yet qualified or been engaged in the play-off process.
Following their invasion, Russia has already been subjected to severe sanctions, including sports-related penalties.
They are set to lose their
Champions LeagueFinal hosting rights, and the Formula One Russian Grand Prix is in severe question.
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