The Czech Republic joined Poland and Sweden on Sunday in refusing to play Russia in next month's 2022 World Cup qualifying in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
The Czech Republic is a potential rival for Russia in next month's playoffs. Russia is set to face Poland on March 24 and the winner of that match will have to host either Sweden or the Czech Republic for a place in the World Cup in Qatar on March 29.
The Executive Committee of the Czech Soccer Association said it had "unanimously approved a decision that the Czech national team will not play Russia in any case."
The football federations of Poland and Sweden took the same decision on Saturday.
The Executive Committee asked the head of the Czech Football Federation, Petr Fousek, to lead negotiations with UEFA and FIFA regarding the Czech situation.
"The Czech FA Executive Committee, staff members and national team players agree that in the current situation it is not possible to play against the Russian national team, even at a neutral venue," the federation said in a statement. "We all want the war to end as soon as possible."
Earlier this week, the football associations of Poland, Sweden and the Czech Republic issued a statement urging FIFA to stage any World Cup playoffs outside the country against Russia following the attack on Ukraine.
In a letter addressed to FIFA Secretary General Fatma Samoura, the three associations wrote: "Based on the current alarming developments in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, the security situation including the Football Federation of Poland (PZPN), Sweden (SVFF) and the Czech Republic (FACR). ) expresses its firm position that playoff matches to qualify for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, scheduled for March 24 and 29, 2022, should not be played on the territory of the Russian Federation.
“The signatories to this appeal do not consider traveling to Russia and playing football matches there. The military escalation we are seeing has dire consequences and significantly reduced security for our national football teams and official delegations.
"Therefore, we expect FIFA and UEFA to respond promptly and offer alternative solutions regarding the venues where these playoff matches can be played."
FIFA said in a statement on Thursday that it "looks forward to a speedy cessation of hostilities and peace in Ukraine."
"Violence is never the solution and FIFA calls on all parties to restore peace through constructive dialogue. FIFA also continues to express its solidarity with those affected by this conflict," FIFA said. "With regard to football matters in both Ukraine and Russia, FIFA will continue to monitor the situation and updates regarding the upcoming FIFA World Cup Qatar 202 qualifiers will be communicated in due course."
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