Poland have refused to play their upcoming World Cup qualifier against Russia, which could cost them their place in Qatar later this year.
Considering the ongoing crisis in Ukraine, spawned by Vladimir Putin’s decision to invade Russia’s neighbouring country, there was always a question mark over whether this World Cup qualifier would go ahead.
FIFA showed no intention to intervene and sanction the Russian National Team in any way, shape or form, which has left those in the Poland squad with no choice but to take action themselves.
On Saturday morning it was confirmed that Poland would refuse to take part in the fixture, putting them at risk of missing out on qualification, but they evidently felt as though sending a message was more important.
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Robert Lewandowski sent out the following tweet after the news broke.
It is the right decision! I can’t imagine playing a match with the Russian National Team in a situation when armed aggression in Ukraine continues. Russian footballers and fans are not responsible for this, but we can’t pretend that nothing is happening. https://t.co/rfnfbXzdjF
— Robert Lewandowski (@lewy_official) February 26, 2022
Credit to every single member of the Polish side for recognising that some matters are FAR more important than football, and even if FIFA don’t favour them and they scupper their World Cup chances, it might just be worth it…
