Polish speakers only to play for national team

Zbigniew Boniek (L) and trainer Waldemar Fornalik (R) at a training session on Monday: photo - PAP/Bartlomiej Zborowski

The new regulation, which he announced as Poland prepares for a crucial 2014 World Cup qualifier with Ukraine this Friday, does not affect those already in the squad such as Damien Perquis, who holds both Polish and French citizenship.

“The rule was not valid earlier, so it does not include Perquis, Obraniak and others who are already in the team,” Boniek told the TVN television station.

Nevertheless, Boniek was clear-cut about who PZPN deemed as being Polish, regardless of whether they have acquired Polish citizenship.

“No one is a Pole who doesn't speak Polish,” he insisted.

Damien Perquis, who has won 14 caps for Poland since 2011, acquired Polish citizenship on account of one of his grandmothers, who was a Pole.

Like Perquis, Ludowic Obraniak was born in France but had a Polish grandparent, and he has now been playing for Poland since 2009.

Poland's World Cup Group H qualifying match against Ukraine will be played at home at the National Stadium in Warsaw.

Poland is currently in third place in the six-team group, ahead of Ukraine in fifth. (nh)