KEIR RADNEDGE REPORTING —- Ukraine, in a gesture of defiance which will infuriate Russia, has signalled that its footballers will play in the World Cup playoff despite the war.

The Ukrainians had finished second in their European qualifying group and should have met Scotland in a playoff semi-final on March 24.

This was postponed by world federation FIFA at the request of the Ukraine federation after the military invasion ordered by Russian President Vladimir Putin.

That postponement also forced FIFA to delay the playoff final in which Wales are awaiting Ukraine or Scotland. Wales had defeated Austria in their own playoff semi-final on schedule.

A number of Ukraine stars are playing in western Europe leagues but it had been uncertain whether the federation believed it could put together a squad and support staff amid the country’s bombardment.

Now the playoff dates have been confirmed after the Ukraine federation told FIFA it can field a team. Scotland’s semi-final with Ukraine has been rescheduled for June 1 with the winners playing Wales in Cardiff in the final four days later.

Expulsion

The Russians, by contrast, were expelled from the World Cup by FIFA after their own potential playoff rivals said they would refuse to play them.

Russia’s Football Union appealed initially to the Court of Arbitration for Sport but has now withdrawn that particular protest.

As a result of the new arrangements for the World Cup play-offs, Scotland and Ukraine’s Nations League Group B1 matches will be altered.

Scotland’s opener at home to Armenia has been pushed back four days to June 8 and the away games with Republic of Ireland (June 11) and Armenia (June 14) will go ahead as planned.

Steve Clarke’s side will face Ukraine on Nations League duty at home on September 21 – rescheduled from June 7 – and away (September 27) either side of a home game against Republic of Ireland on September 24.

Hampden welcome

Scottish FA chief executive Ian Maxwell said: “Firstly, it will be great to be able to welcome to Ukraine to Hampden Park in June.

“While, understandably, there will be two sets of competitive players who are committed to taking another step closer to World Cup qualification, we also understand and appreciate the wider context in which the match will take place.

“We have been consistent throughout that postponing the original tie was the right and only thing to do and look forward to hosting Ukraine at Hampden Park in June.”

The winners of the Ukraine/Scotland/Wales series will join a World Cup finals group in Qatar comprising England, Iran and United States.

########