The world association had initially tried to come up with a solution by renaming “Russia” to “Football Association from Russia”.
But Poland’s association president Cezary Kulesza then said: “The decision is completely unacceptable. We are not interested in taking part in this game. Our position remains the same: the Polish national team will not play against Russia. It doesn’t matter what the team’s name is.”
The Czech Republic and Sweden, who play the other semifinals in the playoffs, also shared this attitude and thus also pushed FIFA to make the decision.
Sweden not 100 percent happy with the process
While Scotland’s semi-final against Ukraine has been postponed to June, Poland now have a bye in the semi-final and will face the Czech Republic or Sweden in the final. Sweden’s association SvFF supported Poland in terms of content, but criticized the bye.
“We think it would have been the most sensible and fair sporting thing for Poland to have had a new opponent in the semifinals.”said SvFF general secretary Hakan Sjöstrand. “The principle should be to play on a level playing field. That means playing and winning two competitive games to reach the finals of the World Cup.” Poland now has an advantage.
Lewandowski: “I wish the situation in the world would change”
But the decision stands. Robert Lewandowski, who last played for Bayern Munich with a blue and yellow armband, said before the game against Scotland: “I would like the situation in the world to change.”
Of course, the game against Sweden or the Czech Republic on Tuesday in Chorzow is more important for Poland. Will Lewandowski play in the fundraising game in Glasgow? “Reason says one thing, ambition and emotions say the other. In the end, the coach decides.”