Czech Republic join Poland, Sweden in refusing to play Russia in 2022 World Cup playoffs

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The Czech Republic joined Poland and Sweden on Sunday in refusing to play Russia in the World Cup qualification next month in response to the invasion of Ukraine.

The Czech Republic could be a potential opponent for Russia in the playoffs. Russia will face Poland on March 24 and the winner will face Sweden or the Czech Republic on March 29 for a place at the World Cup.

The Czech soccer association's executive committee unanimously approved a decision that the Czech national team will not play Russia.

The decision was made by the soccer federations of Poland and Sweden.

The executive committee asked the head of the Czech soccer federation to lead negotiations.

The Czech FA executive committee, staff members and players of the national team agreed that it is not possible to play against the Russian national team in the current situation.

The Football Associations of Poland, Sweden, and Czech Republic have urged the world governing body to stage a World Cup playoff against Russia outside of the country.

The Football Associations of Poland, Sweden and the Czech Republic wrote a letter to the General Secretary of the sport's world governing body, asking for help in dealing with the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

The people who signed this appeal do not want to travel to Russia to play football. Our national football teams and official delegations are at grave risk due to the military escalation that we are observing.

We expect the two organizations to come up with alternative solutions for where these playoff matches could be played.

In a statement on Thursday, the sport's governing body said it hopes for rapid cessation of hostilities and peace in the country.

Violence is not a solution and all parties need to restore peace through dialogue. The people affected by this conflict are being supported by FIFA.

Information from AP was used.