Russia’s Bid To Have World Cup Qualifying Ban Uplifted Is Rejected
Russia's World Cup Qualifying play-off against Poland has been cancelled following the Court of Arbitration for Sport's move.
Russia's request for a temporary halt to their FIFA competition ban has been rejected ahead of next week's World Cup qualifying playoffs.
The Court of Arbitration for Sport dismissed the Russian Football Union's plea to put a pause on the ban, pending a full review.
Europe is set to enter their second round of World Cup qualifying next week, with the ten group runners-up and the best Nations League group winners facing off.
Russia finished in second place behind Croatia in Group H and was set to face Poland in World Cup qualifying on Thursday.
The Polish Football Association president Cezary Kulesza had initially led the refusal to play the game, making the announcement on Twitter.
He said, "No more words, time to act! Due to the escalation of 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 only right decision," he continued.
Poland striker Robert Lewandowski also backed the decision on Twitter.
He said, "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."
Russian athletes have been banned by various sporting codes due to the country's invasion of Ukraine.
Codes such as World Rugby have prevented Russia from qualifying for the 2023 World Cup, while the International Tenis Federation (ITF) has suspended any Russian participants from participating in team competition.
Russian football clubs have also been suspended from all forms of club competition by FIFA and UEFA.
In a joint statement, FIFA and UEFA said, "Football is fully united here and in full solidarity with all the people affected in Ukraine."
"Both presidents hope that the situation in Ukraine will improve significantly and rapidly so that football can again be a vector for unity and peace among people."
The ban could still be overturned in time for another round of international games in early June. If Russia were to then win that game, then this month's final playoffs would have to be replayed.
As of now, Poland will advance to the Final of Path B to face either Sweden or the Czech Republic on March 29, with the winner booking their place in Qatar for the World Cup Finals later this year.
Ukraine was also set to play in the World Cup playoffs this week against Scotland, however, have had their game postponed until June.
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