Lewandowski Backs Poland Decision Not To Play Russia

Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski backed his country's decision not to play against Russia in the World Cup playoffs following the invasion of Ukraine, Poland Football federation president Cezary Kulesz confirmed on Saturday.

"Everything which is beautiful in sports is against what war brings," he said.

"For all people who value freedom and peace, this is a time of solidarity with the victims of the military aggression in Ukraine."

The conflict has entered the third day since Russian leader Vladimir Putin unleashed a full-scale invasion that has killed dozens of people, forced more than 50,000 to flee Ukraine in just 48 hours, and sparked fears of a wider conflict in Europe.

"The time for talking is over. It is time to act. Due to the escalation of the Russian Federation's aggression in Ukraine, the Polish team does not envisage playing the play-off against Russia," wrote Cezary Kulesza, adding it was the "only correct decision".

He said he would work with the Swedish and Czech federations -- the winners of their match would have to play in Russia (on March 29) if the latter beat Poland -- to present a unified position to Fifa.

The three federations issued a joint statement on Thursday demanding Fifa move the respective play-offs from Russia -- who only four years ago hosted the World Cup finals.

Polish captain Robert Lewandowski -- who had tweeted on Friday he would consult his teammates about the match -- welcomed his federation's move.

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. https://t.co/rfnfbXzdjF

— Robert Lewandowski (@lewy_official) February 26, 2022

On Friday the 33-year-old had expressed his rejection of war.

"Everything which is beautiful in sports is against what war brings," he said.

"For all people who value freedom and peace this is a time of solidarity with the victims of the military agression in Ukraine."