MOSCOW, February 24 The International Football Federation (FIFA) is monitoring the situation around Russia and Ukraine, and updates regarding the upcoming 2022 World Cup qualifiers in Qatar will be communicated in due course, organization president Gianni Infantino said. The national teams of Poland, Sweden and the Czech Republic on Thursday made a joint announcement that they did not intend to play qualification matches for the championship world — 2022 on the territory of Russia.
"FIFA condemns the use of force by Russia in Ukraine and any kind of violence to resolve conflicts. 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 the people affected by this conflict. With regard to football matters in both Ukraine and Russia, FIFA will continue to monitor the situation and updates regarding the upcoming World Cup qualifiers in Qatar will be communicated in due course,» Infantino said, adding that he hoped for resolution of the situation before the play-offs.
On March 24, the Russian national team should play in the semi-finals of the play-offs for the right to play in the final stage of the 2022 World Cup with the Polish team in Moscow. If the Russian team reaches the final, the winner of the match Sweden — Czech Republic will become its opponent.