War in Ukraine: Poland, Sweden reject FIFA sanctions and refuse to play Russia

FIFA has announced a first package of sanctions against Russia, mainly affecting the country’s insignia and the venue of the national team. The punishment concerns the invasion of Ukraine, but some football associations directly involved were not satisfied and remain undeterred by their refusal to play with the Russian national team in the 2022 World Cup barrage.

The president of the Polish Football Union, Cesari Kulesa, wrote on Twitter immediately after FIFA’s announcement that he did not accept the decision and did not change Poland’s position.

“Today’s decision by FIFA is completely unacceptable. We are not interested in taking part in such games. Our position remains unchanged. The Polish national team will not play Russia, whatever the name of the team.” reports.

Swedish Football Association president Carl Eric Nilsson reiterated to Fotballskanalen that his country is not changing its stance either: “Our view is no different today and the situation in Ukraine hasn’t changed. We just got the message from FIFA. We don’t have a different view today, but we want to talk to Poland and the Czech Republic so that we can do it together be able.” Give FIFA an answer to what “We expected a stricter stance from FIFA.”