The World Cup semi-final playoffs of Ukraine v Scotland stands postponed as a result of the ongoing crisis in the western country. The match was set to be held on the 24th of March at Hampden but on request of Ukraine, FIFA moved the match back to postpone it to a future date. But the playoff final against Wales or Austria is also dependent on this match because of which, the respective match is delayed as well. Discussions around the issue are undergoing talks with June most likely to be the time when the match is set to be played.
Almost 15 out of the 23 man squad are contained in their homeland due to the ongoing war, making it impossible for the athletes to represent their country at the World Cup playoffs. The Nations League is also scheduled between the same countries, Scotland and Ukraine, in June but in light of recent events, it is not convenient for the latter to be represented in international games. Many football associations and federations had come forward to sanction the Russian international teams including the Scottish Football Association whose President, Rod Petrie, announced publicly their solidarity with the country of Ukraine.
“Football is inconsequential amid conflict. The Scottish Football Association has offered to support our Ukrainian colleagues’ preparations as best we can in these unimaginably difficult circumstances”, added Petrie who held talks with FIFA over moving the playoffs tie, in support of his Ukrainian counterpart.
