World Cup

Poland FA chief: 'Russia should lose 2018 World Cup over Ukraine conflict'

By Giuseppe Labellarte, Reporter | 21 May 2015

Poland football federation president Zbigniew Boniek believes that FIFA should take the 2018 World Cup away from Russia because of their conflict with Ukraine.

Poland football federation president Zbigniew Boniek has claimed that FIFA should take the 2018 World Cup away from Russia because of their conflict with Ukraine.

The world's largest nation was awarded the right to host the tournament ahead of England and joint bids from Spain and Portugal as well as Netherlands and Belgium in December 2010.

Since then, however, criticism has built over alleged racism within stadiums and the country's perceived stance on gay rights, as well as its conflict against its neighbour.

Boniek told Polish newspaper Gazeta Wyborcza: "Hosting the World Cup in Russia is a disastrous mistake, it's a country engaged in war, who invaded another country.

"In 2010 when FIFA chose Russia to host the World Cup the situation was totally different. But now when Russia is at war with Ukraine?

"There should be a clause in the contract between FIFA and the host country that enables the executive committee to strip that country in the event of a war. Or violating the charter of the United Nations."

Boniek represented Poland in 80 internationals, including three World Cup tournaments, and scored 24 goals for his country.