The Polish FA announce that Poland will refuse to play their World Cup 2022 qualifying playoff semi-final with Russia following the invasion of Ukraine.

Poland have announced that they will not play their World Cup 2022 qualifying playoff match with Russia after Russian forces invaded Ukraine.

After finishing second in Group I behind England, Poland set up a showdown with Russia - who were runners-up to Croatia in Group H - in semi-final Path B on March 24.

The winner would be due to take on Sweden or the Czech Republic five days later, but with the situation in Eastern Europe escalating, the Polish FA have insisted that it is "time to act".

A spokesman told Sky Sports News: "No more words, it's 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. We are in talks with the Swedish and Czech federations to bring forward a common position to FIFA."

Poland's decision was supported on social media by stars such as Robert Lewandowski and Mateusz Klich, with compatriot Tomasz Kedziora currently on the books at Dynamo Kiev.

Ukraine are also scheduled to take part in the Qatar 2022 playoffs against Scotland in their semi-final before a potential clash with Wales or Austria for a place at the World Cup. body check tags ::

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