Ukraine asks for postponement of World Cup play-offs

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is negatively affecting the upcoming World Cup battles in Qatar. Russia has been excluded from FIFA and UEFA competitions. The invaded Ukraine will not be able to play the scheduled semi-final play-off matches against Scotland.

The two countries were due to clash for the first time at Hampden Park on 24 March, but the sporting environment in Ukraine came to a complete halt after the Russian invasion. As a result, the Ukrainian Football Federation has asked for the double-header to be postponed.

The FIFA authorities have already announced that they are actively working with UEFA and the Scottish Football Association to find a suitable solution to the problem.

All parties have previously expressed their full support for Ukraine. “Football is irrelevant in times of war,” said FA Scotland president Rod Petrie.

Scotland and England Southampton midfielder Stuart Armstrong also commented

The winner of the Ukraine-Scotland double-header would face the winner of the Wales-Austria match in the next match for the 2022 World Cup.

The draw for the biggest tournament is expected to take place on April 1, with the tournament itself to be played at the end of November.

Source: BBC