The play-off play-off to define the last European places of access to the Qatar World Cup has become a hot potato for the FIFA. After waiting two days for a decision from the world body that does not arrive, the Polish Football Federation has assured this Saturday that they will not play the planned match against Russia (in Russian territory, moreover) for next March 24, a decision they could join Sweden i la Czech Republic in the next few hours. The captain and star of the Polish national team, Robert Lewandowski, he did not hesitate to take a stand in favor of the boycott: “We cannot pretend that nothing is happening.”
As UEFA makes decisions on Friday, such as the Champions League final in St. Petersburg in Paris and ordering Russian and Ukrainian teams to play their international matches at home in a neutral country, FIFA remains unresolved. ‘play-off’ for the World Cup, to be played by both Russia and Ukraine.
Ukraine must play a ‘play-off’ (semi-finals and one-match final) against Scotland and, if so, against Wales or Austria. Both in the first game and in the second, Ukraine would be a visitor. Different is the case of Russia, which would play both rounds at home, both the first match against Poland (for having been better in the group stage) and the hypothetical final, against Sweden or the Czech Republic. And here comes the problem.
“No more words, it’s time to act!” he is going to cry President of the Polish Federation, Cezary Kulesza, on Twitter. “Due to the escalation of aggression by the Russian Federation towards Ukraine, the Polish national team does not intend to play the second leg against Russia. That is the only right decision, “he said, adding that he was in talks with the Czech and Swedish federations to present a common position to FIFA.
Far from staying on the sidelines, Lewandowski has strongly supported this boycott in Russia. “It’s the right decision!” exclaims what for FIFA was the best player of the last two years. “I can’t imagine playing a game with the Russian team while the armed aggression continues in Ukraine. Russian footballers and fans are not responsible for this, however we can’t pretend nothing is happening“, Argues the Bayern striker.
