ATLANTA, GEORGIA—FIFA has granted the petition of the Ukrainian Association of Football (UAF) to postpone their World Cup playoff semifinal against Scotland on March 24.
In its order, FIFA has yet to reschedule the game but sources said it could happen before June.
Before the official postponement of the game, Ukraine, who qualified for their Path A playoff by finishing as runners-up to world champions France in Group D of the UEFA qualification section, is scheduled to face Scotland at Hampden Park, Glasgow, ahead of a potential playoff decider away to Wales or Austria.
In a letter to FIFA, UAF said due to the ongoing war, many members of the international squad were unable to leave the country.
Sources said at the moment, both FIFA and UEFA have been on standby to help assist Ukraine in attempting to secure the safe evacuation of players if requested, but both organizations have been mindful of the need to be supportive of whatever position the players and UAF choose to take.
It was reported that due to the war, Ukrainian soccer players have also been unable to train, so the prospect of preparing for, and playing against, Scotland later this month has been regarded in recent days by the UAF, UEFA, and FIFA as unrealistic.
With the current situation of Ukraine, FIFA will more likely consider Ukraine’s request to postpone the game, and sources have said that there is a possibility of the game being rescheduled for June — intercontinental playoffs are scheduled to be played in Qatar on June 13 and 14 — if the situation in the country can be resolved.
