Ukraine war/European Top 5 reactions: "FA won't play against Russia in any international fixtures"

"Out of solidarity with the Ukraine and to wholeheartedly condemn the atrocities being committed by the Russian leadership, The FA can confirm that we won't play against Russia in any international fixtures for the foreseeable future," announced The Football Association on 27/02/2022, regarding the invasion of Ukraine by the Russian army, which began on Thursday 24/02/2022.

"This includes any potential match at any level of senior age group or para football," added the English body.

Russia is one of the 12 European countries in the play-offs for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. The draw on 26/11/2021 arranged for Russia to host Poland (in Moscow) on Thursday 24/03/2022, and for the winner of that match to receive the winner of the Sweden - Czech Republic match on Tuesday 29/03/2022. At stake: qualification for the final phase of the XXII World Cup scheduled from 21/11 to 18/12/2022.

However, Poland, Sweden and the Czech Republic also announced on 26 and 27/02/2022 that they refuse to play against Russia.

"FIFA has taken good note of the positions expressed via social media by the Polish…