Poland, Sweden and the Czech Republic have issued a joint statement refusing to play their upcoming World Cup play-off matches in Russia.
Leeds United midfielder Mateusz Klich is scheduled to travel to Moscow with Poland to face Russia in the semi-finals, with the winners playing either Sweden or Czech Republic for a place in this year’s World Cup in Qatar.
But the three teams involved have released a strong statement revealing their opposition to travelling to Russia due to their invasion of Ukraine in the last 24 hours.
It said: "Based on the current alarming development in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine including the security situation, the Football Associations of Poland, Sweden and Czech Republic 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 2022 should not be played in the territory of the Russian Federation.
"The signatories to this appeal to 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 play-offs can take place."
Russian president Vladimir Putin declared war on Ukraine last night as he sent thousands of troops into the country.
Dozens of people have already reportedly died after Russia began attacking Ukraine with airstrikes in what has been described as a ‘full-scale invasion’.
CCTV cameras caught Russian military vehicles rolling through border force checkpoints as ground troops crossed the border into Ukraine early on Thursday.
The Russian city of St Petersburg was also set to host this season’s Champions League final in May however that is set to be changed in the coming days.
