Russia have been kicked out from the 2022 World Cup qualifying play-off, which allows scheduled opponent Poland to automatically advance to the Path B final, where they will play either Sweden or Czech Republic.
The action comes in response to Russia’s recent military invasion of Ukraine, which has been condemned around Europe and led Poland to say they would refuse to play Russia.
Also related to the invasion, Ukraine’s play-off with Scotland has been postponed until June.
A statement from FIFA read: “Subsequent to the decision of 28 February 2022 taken jointly with the UEFA Executive Committee to suspend all Russian teams from participation in both FIFA and UEFA competitions until further notice, the Bureau of the FIFA Organising Committee decided that Poland will receive a bye to the final of Path B due to take place on 29 March 2022, in which they will face the winners of the match between Sweden and the Czech Republic.”