Polish Football Association president Cezary Kulesza confirmed on Saturday morning that their national team won’t travel to Moscow to play Russia in the World Cup qualifying play-offs.”The time for talking is over. It is time to act. Due to the escalation of the Russian Federation’s aggression in Ukraine, the Polish team does not envisage playing the play-off against Russia. It’s the only correct decision.”Champions League final taken away from St. Petersburg – UEFA relocate the showpiece to ParisThe conflict between Russia and Ukraine entered the third day on Saturday.Kulesza said he would work with the Swedish and Czech federations, the winners of their match would have to play in Russia on March 29 if the latter beat Poland, to present a unified position to Fifa. The three federations issued a joint statement on Thursday demanding Fifa move the respective play-offs from Russia.24 March: (3.20) Russia (3.00) Poland (2.45)Polish star Robert Lewandowski had tweeted on Friday that he would consult his teammates about the match and his rejection of war.”Everything which is beautiful in sports is against what war brings. For all people who value freedom and peace, this is a time of solidarity with the victims of the military aggression in Ukraine. As the Captain of the National Team I will speak with my teammates about the match against Russia, in order to work out a common position on this question and present it to the president of the Polish Football Association as soon as possible.”It is the right decision! I can’t imagine playing a match with the Russian National Team in a situation when armed aggression in Ukraine continues. Russian footballers and fans are not responsible for this, but we can’t pretend that nothing is happening. https://t.co/rfnfbXzdjF— Robert Lewandowski (@lewy_official) February 26, 2022 European football’s governing body UEFA punished Russia on Friday by stripping Saint Petersburg of hosting European club football’s showpiece event the Champions League final on May 28 and awarded it to Paris.
