Poland, Czech Republic, Sweden refuse to play World Cup qualifying playoffs in Russia

The Polish, Swedish and Czech Football Associations are opposed to playing World Cup qualifiers next month on Russian soil after the nation's invasion of Ukraine, Report informs, citing Eurosport.

Russia is due to host Poland in the World Cup playoff semi-finals on March 24. Should they win, they are currently scheduled to host either Sweden or the Czech Republic on March 29.

"The Football Associations of Poland (PZPN), Sweden (SvFF) and Czech Republic (FACR) express their firm position that the playoff matches... should not be played in the territory of the Russian Federation," they said in a joint statement.

"The military escalation that we are observing entails serious consequences and considerably lower safety for our national football teams and official delegations."
The associations say they expect an immediate response from FIFA and UEFA.