Bosnia sparks controversy after announcing friendly against Russia ahead of World Cup

Bosnia and Herzegovina scheduled a friendly against Russia a day before the start of the World Cup, causing controversy and drawing criticism within its own ranks.

The game is set to take place in St. Petersburg on November 19, on the eve of Qatar 2022, with the date and Bosnian opposition both highly questionable.

Russian national teams were banned from international competition following the invasion of Ukraine, weeks before the team was due to launch a play-off campaign for a potential World Cup spot.

Poland, Sweden and the Czech Republic, which were expected to be potential opponents of Russia, pushed for the ban to take place, while federations representing England, France and the United States quickly let it be known that they would not play them under any circumstances. circumstances.

Bosnia, meanwhile, failed to qualify for the tournament and the decision to face Russia was condemned by midfielder Miralem Pjanic.

"The decision is not good. I am speechless," Pjanic was quoted by Bosnian media as saying. "In the National Football Association, they know what I think."

Benjamina Karic, the mayor of the Bosnian capital Sarajevo, also denounced the decision in a post on social media.

"Sarajevo as the city that has been besieged the longest by the aggressors and I as the mayor strongly condemn the National Football Association's decision to play a friendly match with Russia," Karic said.

“Unless the decision is overturned, we will stop cooperating with the Football Association, which so far has been successful. »

Russia have not played an international match since last November, but are scheduled to face Kyrgyzstan this month and Iran in November.