Russia has been kicked out from the 2022 World Cup qualification campaign, despite a scheduled match between Poland and Russia not taking place, according to FIFA.
The decision follows President Vladimir Putin’s decision to commence military operations in Ukraine.
Poland, Russia’s opponent, has been handed a bye into the Path B playoff final on March 29.
Poland was scheduled to meet Russia in the playoff semi-finals a few days earlier. However, the Polish FA and players stated that they did not want to play Russia.
In the final, the national team will face either Sweden or the Czech Republic.
A statement from FIFA read: “Subsequent to the decision of 28 February 2022 taken jointly with the UEFA Executive Committee to suspend all Russian teams from participation in both FIFA and UEFA competitions until further notice, the Bureau of the FIFA Organising Committee decided that Poland will receive a bye to the final of Path B due to take place on 29 March 2022, in which they will face the winners of the match between Sweden and the Czech Republic.”
