UNDATED (AP) — Sweden’s soccer federation has maintained its objection to playing any matches against Russia following the invasion of Ukraine and expressed its disappointment with FIFA for keeping the Russians in World Cup qualifying.
Sweden’s official stance comes a day after Poland and the Czech Republic declared they would not be accepting FIFA’s attempted compromise in ordering Russia to play without its flag and anthem at neutral venues under the name of its federation. Russia is scheduled to play Poland in the World Cup playoff semifinals on March 24 for the right to host Sweden or the Czech Republic five days later.
In other developments related to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine:
— The English Football Association announced that its national teams would refuse to play Russia for the “foreseeable future.” Russia has qualified for the Women’s European Championship which is being hosted by England in June.
— Albania’s government has joined the wave of European opposition to playing any sports games against Russia. Albania is due to host Russia in Tirana on June 2 in the group stage of the UEFA Nations League competition. The return game is on June 13, though UEFA ruled Friday that Russian teams must find neutral venues for its home games.
— Some four dozen athletes from Ukraine and elsewhere have sent an open letter to Olympic and Paralympic leaders urging them to immediately suspend the Russian and Belarussian Olympic and Paralympic Committees.
