Poland and Latvia oppose UEFA's decision to return Russian U-17 teams to competition
Poland and Latvia have opposed UEFA's decision to return Russian U-17 teams to the competition and supported Ukraine's call for a boycott of matches with the Russians.
This was stated by the Latvian Football Federation and the president of the Polish Football Association.
Latvian football teams of all levels will not play against Russian teams, regardless of the venue or form of representation of Russian athletes.
"This is contrary to the LFF's firm stance on the war in Ukraine launched by Russia, and such a position will remain in force until the cessation of hostilities in Ukraine," the Latvian Football Federation reaffirms in a statement.
Polish teams will not compete either if Russians are allowed to participate in the tournaments.
"I was surprised by yesterday's statement from the UEFA Executive Committee. If Russian national teams are allowed to participate in the competition, our national teams will not compete with them. This is the only right decision," wrote Cezary Kulesza, President of the Polish Football Association.
It will be recalled that the UEFA Executive Committee has allowed Russian U-17 teams to participate in official international competitions this season. Russian teams will play without a flag or anthem. The Ukrainian Football Association condemned UEFA's decision to allow U-17 teams from Russia to return to international competitions. The Football Association of England also opposed UEFA's decision to return Russian U-17 teams to competition.
Updated 27/09 at 7 pm
The football federations of Sweden and Lithuania also opposed UEFA's decision to return Russian U-17 teams to competition.
This was stated by the presidents of the federations of these countries.
The teams of these countries refuse to participate in tournaments with the Russians, even after UEFA lifts the ban.
"The Federal Executive Board made an early decision when Russia made its unacceptable attack on Ukraine. We do not intend to participate in any competition activities with Russian participants," says SvFF's chairman Fredrik Reinfeldt.
The Lithuanian side stated that they do not believe that any Russian teams or clubs should be able to compete in international competitions at the moment and do not agree with this decision.
"We continue to stick to our previous positions – we condemn Russia's military actions in Ukraine, and we can assure you that we will not play against Russian footballers, even if the draw of one or another tournament determines it," said LFF President Edgaras Stankevičius.
