World Cup
WM: The Poles are trying to neutralize the barrage with Russia
Poland face Russia in Moscow in the first round of their European Cup qualifiers for the 2022 World Cup, but will no longer have room to move the game to a neutral HQ due to political and military developments.
Poland was drawn against Russia in the first round of qualifiers for the European Zone Zone for the 2022 World Cup. The draw sent the pair to Moscow to settle their differences on March 24, but the Poles disagree.
The political and military developments in Russia and the Ukraine occupy the Polish sports leadership. The country’s football association issued a statement informing it had asked for it “Urgent Clarification” from FIFA about their intentions for the game and how security will be ensured following the latest developments.
At the same time, Poland’s Minister of Sports and Tourism, Kamil Bortnicuk, went one step further and even spoke on Polskie Radio 24 about a change of headquarters.
“We’ll try to do it, at least that’s my guarantee to the Polish Football Union, that the match will be played on neutral ground. If the Russian Federation doesn’t agree, we’ll see what we can do.”he explained.
The Polish FA maintains a lower tone in its communications with FIFA and acknowledges this “Political decisions, such as the imposition of possible sanctions against the Russian Federation, remain in the hands of states and international organizations.” Mentions, inter alia, in the communication.
Nonetheless, he asked for FIFA’s immediate comment while explaining that the case also affects Sweden and the Czech Republic (the winner of the pair will find themselves in the final of the draw if they qualify).
Sophia Jhon is a sports journalist and author. He has worked as a news editor for Sportish and is now a sport columnist for the same publication. Alberta’s professional interests lie largely in sports news, with an emphasis on English football. He has also written articles on other sporting topics.