Russia’s World Cup Play-Off Opponents Want Neutral Venue To Fulfill Fixtures
Russia’s FIFA World Cup play-off opponents, Sweden, Poland and Czech Republic say they will not travel to the country to fulfill games.
This follows Russia’s invasion of Ukraine which has drawn worldwide condemnation.
Russia will host Poland in the play-off semi-finals next month. Should the 2018 World Cup hosts emerge victorious they will be at home again to either Sweden or Czech Republic for a place in Qatar later this year.
A joint statement from the Czechs, Sweden and Poland have raised security concerns and have called for a neutral venue to fulfill the fixtures.
"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."
Russia’s Gazprom Arena in Saint Petersburg was supposed to host the UEFA Champions final in May but Europe’s football governing body are expected to strip them of the hosting rights on Friday.
