“There is no reason”: what is known about Poland’s refusal to meet with Russia in the 2022 World Cup qualifying play-off

The Polish national team refuses to play the 2022 World Cup qualifying play-off with the Russian team due to the situation in Ukraine.

This was announced on Twitter on Saturday, February 26, by the president of the country's football union (PZPN), Cesar Kulesha.

The official also noted that his organization is negotiating with the federations of Sweden and the Czech Republic and plans to present its position to the International Football Federation (FIFA).

According to the press officer of the Polish national team Jakub Kwiatkowski, the team is ready even for a technical defeat in the match.

The PZPN decision was supported by team captain Robert Lewandowski and country's president Andrzej Duda.

In Russia, they reacted differently to Saturday's statements.

Honorary President of the RFU Vyacheslav Koloskov called what is happening direct pressure and blackmail from the Polish Football Union against FIFA.

“They are trying to intimidate Gianni Infantino, saying that we will not come to the match, so it must be cancelled.

I'm sure he won't fall for it.

In addition, FIFA has not yet approved changes to the previously adopted decision on the venue for the play-off between the national teams of Russia and Poland.

At the moment, the meeting is planned to be organized in Moscow.

If an appeal is received from the three federations, then FIFA will definitely consider it.

It is possible that a decision will be made similar to the one that UEFA made in relation to Russian and Ukrainian clubs.

As a result, Russia and Poland will play on a neutral field.

If the Russian team arrives for the match, and the Polish team does not appear, then it will be credited with a technical defeat with a score of 0: 3, ”the specialist explained in a conversation with RT.

Koloskov stressed that FIFA has no legal grounds to cancel the meeting.

“Russia is a full member of the International Football Federation and fulfills all the obligations that are spelled out in the FIFA statute.

There are no legal grounds for applying any, even the most minimal, sanctions.

Including for exclusion from the competition, ”added the honorary president of the RFU.

The former coach of the Russian national football team Boris Ignatiev was not so sure of the positive outcome of the case.

In his opinion, FIFA can follow the lead of Western countries if Poland, the Czech Republic and Sweden unite.

“At such moments, it is necessary to remember that sport is out of politics.

As for the Polish Football Association, that is their decision.

You never know for what reasons they will refuse to play - because of the current situation or for another reason.

If there was a consolidated decision on the part of UEFA and FIFA, then there would be no questions.

But it is wrong when Poland tries to decide how we should live.

She can put forward proposals, but no more.

Of course, it is a pity if the meeting does not take place, it will not be possible to watch the confrontation between the teams.

Previously, we have already encountered the fact that higher-ranking sports organizations made decisions not in favor of Russia.

I think if Poland, Sweden and the Czech Republic refuse to play with our team, then FIFA will not meet us halfway, ”said Ignatiev.

At the same time, a member of the technical committee of the RFU, a well-known coach Gadzhi Gadzhiev, stressed that the cancellation of football matches of national teams will not affect the political situation in any way. 

“None of us is involved in how humanity develops.

It fights all the time.

There are thousands of wars throughout history.

Now no one wants war - neither we nor the players.

How will quitting games help in this situation?

Nothing.

You can understand if FIFA transfers the match to a neutral field, but does not cancel the game, ”said the specialist.

FIFA has not yet commented on the statements of the representatives of Poland.

Under the 2022 World Cup qualifier regulations, any football association withdrawing from the competition after it has started is subject to a fine of at least CHF 40,000.

Depending on the circumstances, the FIFA Disciplinary Committee may also apply other sanctions, including the exclusion of the team from participation in subsequent tournaments.

However, if the force majeure factor is recognized, then a replay or postponement of the match is possible.