World Cup 2022: Scotland v Ukraine play-off postponed, following Ukraine’s request

The Scottish Football Association received a notification from FIFA last night that Scotland’s World Cup play-off semi-final against Ukraine will be postponed until June.

The official confirmation for the postponement of the match is expected to come within the next 48 hours, with UEFA currently tasked with organising a match schedule for the new June dates.

In a Nations League Group B1 game, Scotland was already scheduled to meet Ukraine again on June 7.

2 matches against Armenia and one against the Republic of Ireland in the same competition were also confirmed for the first two weeks in June.

Moreover, Scotland was due to host Ukraine in the Fifa World Cup play-off semi-final on March 24 at Hampden. 

The sold-out play-off match against Ukraine, which was scheduled for a fortnight on Thursday, was the most imminent and most crucial essential of Scotland’s upcoming fixtures.

Steve Clarke, the Scottish Football Manager, was due to name his team at the start of next week.

Although the last remaining match tickets were sold last Monday, the game has been in doubt since Russia’s military assault against Ukraine last month.

The Ukraine Football Association requested a postponement last week. Many of their international squad are based in Ukraine, where domestic football has been suspended.

Furthermore, The SFA sent a message of “friendship and unity” to their counterparts in Ukraine last week, offering to support them in their preparations.

The chief executive of the Welsh FA, Noel Mooney, expressed his gratitude on Twitter by sending a message of thanks to the Welsh fans for their messages concerning the situation.

“We have met with FIFA/UEFA/Austria/Scotland/Ukraine, and we are hopeful of updating you in the next day or so on fixtures,” he said. His post on Twitter also included the word “solidarity” and an emoji of the Ukraine flag.

Poland had been suggested as an opponent since they were due to meet Russia on the same night. Russia’s national team and clubs have subsequently been suspended from all international football events.