Poland captain backs match boycott

POLISH football legend Robert Lewandowski has backed his country’s refusal to play against Russia in next month’s World Cup qualifiers.

The 33-year-old striker, who is captain of the national side as well as playing for German champions Bayern Munich, said it was the ‘right decision’.

Sweden, who could face Russia in the next round of the play-offs, also said they would refuse to play the match, with the nation’s football federal board calling on world football governing body Fifa to cancel Russia’s matches.

‘The federal board also urges Fifa to cancel the play-off matches in March in which Russia participates,’ a statement said.

It came after Fifa’s European counterpart Uefa ruled on Friday to move the Champions League final from St Petersburg to Paris – while other sports,

notably Formula 1, have cut ties with Russia.