The Polish national football team press attache, Jakub Kwiatkowski, stated that Polish clubs and the national side will not face Russia until the end of the current conflict. He emphasized a clear stance from Poland on engaging with Russian teams during ongoing hostilities in Ukraine.
According to Kwiatkowski, the policy remains firm and public: no participation in matches against Russian teams while the Ukraine crisis continues. This position reflects the broader response from several European football bodies and national associations to the situation.
On September 26, the executive board of the Union of European Football Associations announced a limited participation plan for Russian national teams. Teams composed of junior players under 17 years old would be allowed to compete in international tournaments. Senior teams would be expected to compete without displaying flags or national anthems, and matches would not be held on Russian soil. This arrangement aims to separate political tensions from youth development and competitive play while keeping a distance from Russia’s home venues.
Earlier in 2022, FIFA and UEFA decided to suspend Russia from all competitions under their control. The suspension affected both the national team and Russian clubs, signaling a collective move by major governing bodies to isolate Russia from the global football calendar amid the crisis.
Several nations, including Poland, Denmark, Sweden, Ukraine, England, Latvia, Lithuania, and Norway, announced boycotts of matches involving the Russian national team. The coordinated response underscored a broader international stance aligning with sanctions and diplomatic measures observed across other sports and international forums.
In related remarks, former goalkeeper Rinat Dasayev suggested that FIFA might soon ease restrictions and permit Russia to participate in certain competitions. This perspective contrasts with ongoing caution exercised by many European leagues and federations, which have maintained a cautious approach in light of the ongoing geopolitical conflict.
Experts note that the decisions reflect a balance between political considerations and the desire to preserve competitive integrity in football. The evolving landscape continues to shape scheduling, venue selection, and the eligibility rules for Russian teams at various levels of international play. Stakeholders are watching closely how these policies affect youth development, national team plans, and the broader impact on the sport in the region. Inquiries from fans and media are often directed toward clarifications on eligibility, venues, and how long the suspensions or exemptions may last. Attribution for these developments is provided by FIFA and UEFA updates and statements from national associations. Citation: FIFA and UEFA official communications; national sport bodies in Poland, among others.