Poland, Sweden refuse to play Russia in World Cup playoffs

Published February 26, 2022 3:12 AM

WARSAW, Poland (AP) — Poland’s refusal to play its World Cup qualifier against Russia next month in response to that nation’s invasion of Ukraine gained wider support when Sweden followed with its own plans to protest to FIFA. Polish soccer federation president Cezary Kulesza announced Poland’s decision and said it was talking with other federations to present a unified position to FIFA, which is responsible for the March 24 game in Moscow. Also Saturday, Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich suddenly handed over the “stewardship and care” of the Premier League club to its charitable foundation trustees. The move came after a member of the British parliament called for the Russian billionaire to hand over the club in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.