Poland Refuse to Play Russia in 2022 WC Qualifier over Russian Invasion of Ukraine

Polish Football Association President Cezary Kulesza announced Saturday the country's national team will refuse to play Russia in a 2022 FIFA Men's World Cup qualifying match next month because of the Russian military invasion of Ukraine.

Kulesza wrote Poland is working with the Czech Republic and Sweden, which are also involved in a four-team UEFA playoff tournament for a World Cup berth, to present FIFA with a unified stance on Russia's involvement in the event.

Russia is scheduled to host Poland in Moscow on March 24, with the winner advancing to face either the Czechs or the Swedes on March 29.

Polish striker Robert Lewandowski, a 2021 Ballon d'Or finalist, agreed with Kulesza:

FIFA released a statement Thursday saying it would "continue to monitor the situation" ahead of the scheduled qualifiers.

"FIFA condemns the use of force by Russia in Ukraine and any type of violence to resolve conflicts. Violence is never a solution and FIFA calls on all parties to restore peace through constructive dialogue. FIFA also continues to express its solidarity to the people affected by this conflict," the governing body said.

Gianni Infantino, FIFA's president, added: "I was shocked by what I saw. I am worried and concerned by this situation. FIFA condemns the use of force."

UEFA announced Friday the 2022 men's Champions League final has been moved from Saint Petersburg to Paris because of the Russian military aggression against Ukraine.

Russia has continued its attack on one of its western neighbors despite worldwide condemnation, with fighting taking place in Ukraine's capital city of Kyiv on Saturday, per CNN.

The United States and its allies, including the European Union, United Kingdom and Canada, announced sanctions against Russia and its president, Vladimir Putin, on Friday but U.S. President Joe Biden has maintained there will be no American troops sent into the battle.

"Let me be clear: These are totally defensive moves on our part. We have no intention of fighting Russia," Biden said.

Meanwhile, athletes from around the world, including sports stars from Russia and Ukraine, have urged an end to the invasion. Russian tennis player Andrey Rublev wrote "no war please" on the camera after his victory Friday in the 2022 Dubai Tennis Championships:

Washington Capitals winger Alex Ovechkin, one of the most prominent Russian athletes and a vocal Putin supporter in the past, said: "Please, no more war."

It's unclear how FIFA plans to proceed with Russia's status for the World Cup, as they could be given a bye to the finals with teams unwilling to play them in qualifying. However, there is also the possibility that Russia is banned from the tournament.