Ukraine request postponement of World Cup 2022 play-off against Scotland following Russia invasion

The Ukrainian FA has requested the postponement of the World Cup qualifying play-off against Scotland.

The game is due to be played at Hampden on March 24, with the winner facing Austria or Wales for a place in the World Cup, being held in Qatar in November.

But the Ukrainian federation has asked for the game to be delayed following Russia’s invasion of the country.

The game’s governing body confirmed the move on Thursday.

A spokesperson for FIFA said: “FIFA can confirm it has received a request from the Ukrainian Association of Football today to postpone their matches scheduled for March.

“FIFA remains in regular contact with UEFA and the Scottish Football Association to find an appropriate solution.

“FIFA expresses its deepest solidarity to everybody affected by what is happening in Ukraine. A further update will be provided in due course.”

Earlier this week, the Scottish FA offered to help their opponents prepare for the game.

It said in a statement: “The Scottish FA president, Rod Petrie, has written to his counterpart at the Ukrainian Association of Football to send a message of support, friendship and unity.

“Football is inconsequential amid conflict, but we have conveyed the strong sense of solidarity communicated to us by Scotland fans and citizens in recent days.

“We remain in dialogue with Uefa and Fifa regarding our men’s Fifa World Cup play-off and women’s World Cup qualifier and have offered to support our Ukrainian colleagues’ preparations as best we can in these unimaginably difficult circumstances.”