The President of the Polish Association expressed surprise at UEFA’s decision
Poland joined the boycott of Russian youth teams, and will refuse matches with Russians that UEFA will allow.
“I was surprised by yesterday’s statement by the UEFA Executive Committee. If Russian teams are allowed to compete, then our teams will not compete with them. This is the only right decision,” said the President of the Polish Football Union, Cezary Kulesza.
UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin claimed that Russian football clubs and national teams of the Russian Federation will be under a UEFA ban until the end of hostilities in Ukraine.
However, recently UEFA allowed Russian U-17 national teams (boys and girls) to participate in international competitions during the 2023/24 season. All team matches will be held without the flag, anthem, national playing uniform and not on Russian territory. At the same time, the disqualification of the remaining Russian teams remains in force.
The Football Association of England reacted to UEFA’s decision, where they decided to maintain their position and boycott matches with teams from Russia, despite UEFA’s approval. A similar statement was made by the Latvian Football Federation.
The Ukrainian Football Association also published its statement. The UAF condemned UEFA’s decision to return Russian youth teams (U-17) to the international arena under a neutral flag and refused to participate in matches with Russian teams.
In the early hours of February 24, Russia launched rocket and air strikes on most Ukrainian cities and then launched a full-scale military invasion. The war against Russia has continued for the 581st day.
Source: Sportarena
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