Sweden, Czech Republic refuse again to play World Cup qualifiers against Russia

The soccer associations of the Czech Republic and Sweden say they will not play games against Russia, despite a compromise planned by FIFA that would allow Russia to participate in World Cup qualifying games.

Poland, Sweden and the Czech Republic have protested Russian participation in the tournament. FIFA, the world governing soccer organization, said today that Russia should play home matches at neutral venues and banned its national flag and anthem from games.

The Czech and Swedish soccer associations both reject the compromise.

“There will be no change in the Czech national team’s… standpoint even after FIFA’s decision to let Russia play at the international level but on neutral grounds, without a flag and anthem,” the Czech Football Association says.

The Czech team could have faced Russia in a World Cup play off game in late March, depending on the outcome of other games.

Swedish Football Association President Karl-Erik Nilsson says: “We have previously made it known that we do not want to face Russia under these circumstances and this remains the case until further notice.”

He adds that he is “displeased” with FIFA’s decision.