Poland will boycott the World Cup play-off against Russia because of the invasion of Ukraine, with captain Robert Lewandowski saying "we can't pretend that nothing is happening."
Cezary Kulesza, president of the Polish football association, said that the team does not intend to play the game.
Russia and Poland are both going to host countries on the same day.
"The right decision," tweeted Lewandowski.
The Russian national team will not play a match in a situation when armed aggression in Ukraine continues. Russian football players and fans are not responsible for this.
The Czech Republic will meet Sweden in the play-offs. The winner of that tie could meet Russia in November for a place at the World Cup finals.
Poland, Sweden and the Czech Republic said in a joint statement that play-off matches should not be held in Russia.
Kulesza said "No more words, time to act" on Saturday.
Due to the aggression of the Russian Federation towards Ukraine, the Polish national team does not intend to play the play-off match against Russia.
This is the right decision. We are in talks with Sweden and the Czech Republic to present a common position.
More to come.
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