Poland plans to boycott World Cup playoff vs. Russia

Poland intends to boycott its World Cup playoff against Russia next month in protest against the invasion of Ukraine, the nation's football association president said Saturday.

Russia is scheduled to host Poland on March 24, but Cezary Kulesza took to Twitter to say the team has no intention of playing the game.

"No more words, 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. We are in talks with (Sweden) and (Czech Republic) federations to bring forward a joint statement to FIFA."

Poland's president, Andrzej Duda, offered his support to Kulesza, saying, as translated by The Guardian, "And rightly so, Mr. President. You don’t play with bandits!"

Sweden later issued its own statement, refusing to play Russia "regardless of where the match is played." Sweden would face the Russians if it beats the Czech Republic in the playoff semifinal.

Earlier in the week, Poland, Sweden, and the Czech Republic issued a joint statement outlining their refusal to travel to Russia amid safety concerns.

Poland and Bayern Munich star Robert Lewandowski also supports his football association's decision.

"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," Lewandowski wrote. "Russian footballers and fans are not responsible for this, but we can’t pretend that nothing is happening."

Wojciech Szczesny said his conscience wouldn't allow him to play after outlining his ties to Ukraine, where the Pole's wife was born.

"I refuse to play against players who choose to represent the values and principles of Russia," the Juventus goalkeeper wrote on Instagram. "I refuse to stand on the pitch, wearing the colors of my country and listen to the national anthem of Russia! I refuse to take part in a sporting (event) that legitimizes the actions of the Russian government."