Scotland’s Play-Off semi-final against Ukraine in UEFA Qualifying for 2022 FIFA World Cup has been postponed until June.
Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in late February, Ukrainian Football Association requested a postponement of their Play-Off semi-final against Scotland at Hampden Park which was scheduled for Thursday 24 March.
FIFA have now granted that request with the match now postponed until June, which means that the Play-Off Final in Path A on 29 March in which Wales or Austria await the winner of Scotland’s tie against Ukraine is also postponed until further notice.
Scotland FA have released a statement backing FIFA’s decision to accept Ukraine’s request in which they iterated their ‘support’ for the match postponement given current events in Ukraine and again expressed a ‘message of solidarity’ with their counterparts within Ukraine’s FA.
They also confirmed that UEFA will determine their ‘amended fixture schedule, including any displaced UEFA Nations League fixtures, and will comment further at that time.’
Scotland have also confirmed that discussions are underway over a replacement friendly fixture on 24 March and will provide an update as soon as possible, whilst tickets purchased for the original fixture against Ukraine will remain valid for the rescheduled date.
Steve Clarke’s Tartan Army will also play away to the loser of Wales’ Play-Off semi-final tie against Austria on 29 March in a friendly clash.
Scottish FA Chief Executive, Ian Maxwell also issued a short statement in which he commented: “In light of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, it is the correct decision by FIFA to postpone our play-off, as requested by the Ukrainian Association of Football.
“The importance and significance of football is greatly diminished in a time of war and our thoughts are with those Ukrainian civilians affected by the conflict.”
FIFA also confirmed that in Play-Off Path B, Poland will receive a bye to the Final following Russia’s disqualification from the competition, where they will host Sweden or Czech Republic on 29 March for a place at World Cup in Qatar.
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