The FIFA Executive Committee met this Sunday and agreed with the approval of UEFA and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) that Russia plays its matches on a neutral field and behind closed doors, without anthem or flag, until further noticeand only under the shield of their federation. The measure will reach the playoff matches for the World Cup, which Russia will have to play against Poland if the Poles finally agree to dispute it under those conditions, which remains to be seen.
FIFA’s decision does not stop there. At the same meeting, it was agreed to warn Russia that its participation in the World Cup, even in the case of overcoming the play-off, is not guaranteed. if the European Union and the high international institutions decide to increase the pressure and extend the sanctions as a consequence of the invasion of Ukraine.
Russia’s rival Poland threatened not to play the play-off match that was to take place at Moscow’s Dynamo Central Stadium on March 24.. The president of the Polish Football Federation, Cezary Kulesza, said on Twitter: “No more words, it’s time to act! Due to the escalation of the Russian Federation’s aggression towards Ukraine, the Polish team does not intend to play the play-off match against Russia. This is the only correct decision. We are in talks with the federations of Sweden and the Czech Republic to present a common position to FIFA”. He included the other two countries because in case Russia wins the semifinal of the playoff against Poland, it will face the winner of Sweden-Czech Republic in the final, in the decisive match to get one of the three places in Europe that remain to be decided for the next World Cup in Qatar. But the decisions of the FIFA Executive are binding on the presidents of the associations of Poland, Sweden and the Czech Republic.
Regarding this play-off for the World Cup, FIFA says that it takes “good note of the positions expressed through social networks by the Polish Football Association, the Czech Republic Football Association and the Swedish Football Association and already has entered into dialogue with all these football associations. FIFA will remain in close contact to try to find appropriate and acceptable solutions together.” In other words, that he will try to convince them to agree to play against Russia on a neutral field, under the conditions already exposed. But just in case he doesn’t get it, he cures his health because he warns that “UEFA (the confederation to which all affected teams belong) and other sports organizations will determine any additional measures or sanctions, including a possible exclusion of Russia from competitionswhich will be applied in the near future in case the situation does not improve quickly”.
Just a few days ago, the UEFA has already made the decision to withdraw from St. Petersburg the organization of the European Cup final, which was to be played on May 28 in Putin’s hometownbut now it has been granted to Paris, which will finally host the last Champions League match that same May 28 at the Stade de France, in the popular neighborhood of Saint Dennis.
Poland still refuses to play
The measures taken by FIFA are not enough for the Polish Football Federation. Its president, Cezary Kulesza, used Twitter again to send a harsh message to Infantino: “Today’s FIFA decision is totally unacceptable. We are not interested in participating in this game of appearances. Our stance remains intact: the Polish national team WILL NOT PLAY with Russia, regardless of the name of the team.”. Poland keeps the pulse.
Sweden, another of the teams involved, has also reacted to FIFA’s decision. “Clearly we are not satisfied with this. Our opinion is no different today and the situation in Ukraine has not changed because of FIFA’s message, so we have no other opinion today. We want to talk to Poland and the Czech Republic. We expected a tougher stance from FIFA.”said Karl-Erik Nilsson, president of SvFF, speaking to The football channel.