POLES DOWN TOOLS FOR RUSSIA CLASH

BILL MILLS

POLAND have refused to play Russia in their upcoming World Cup qualifier.

The country’s football association and leading players have announced a joint stand to boycott the play-off match, scheduled for Moscow on March 24.

Poland star Robert Lewandowski (left) said: “We can’t pretend that nothing is happening.” Whoever wins is scheduled to host either Sweden or the Czech Republic on March 29 in the Path B final.

But the Swedish FA have also said that its team would not face the Russians, regardless of where the match is played.