The Czech Republic have joined Poland in announcing their intention to boycott a potential World Cup 2022 playoff encounter with Russia.
Under the order of president Vladimir Putin, Russian forces invaded Ukraine earlier this week, leading to severe consequences on the footballing landscape.
Poland are due to take on Russia in the semi-final of their World Cup Qualifying playoff next month, but the country's FA and players have insisted that they will refuse to play the tie.
The winner of the semi-final would then meet either the Czech Republic or Sweden for a place in Qatar, but Jaroslav Silhavy's men are not prepared to face the Russians.
A statement from the Czech FA read: "The Czech FA executive committee, staff members and players of the national team agreed it's not possible to play against the Russian national team in the current situation, not even on the neutral venue. We all want the war to end as soon as possible."
Players such as Robert Lewandowski, Wojciech Szczesny and Matty Cash all voiced their support for the Polish FA's decision on social media, with the latter picking up a yellow card against Brighton & Hove Albion for removing his shirt to unveil a message of support to international teammate Tomasz Kedziora - currently on the books at Dynamo Kiev.
Ben Knapton
