Scotland v Ukraine World Cup play-off still on for now after UEFA crisis talks

Steve Clarke’s side are due to host Ukraine at Hampden Park on March 24 for a place in the World Cup play-off finals, but the outbreak of war in the country following the Russian invasion has placed the fixture into serious doubt.

The Ukrainian Premier League, where the majority of the national side play, has been suspended for at least 30 days and the closure of airspace in the region will also lead to difficulties for players and officials travelling to Glasgow.

However, the match is still scheduled to go ahead as planned, for now, after UEFA confirmed that Russian and Ukranian clubs and national teams will continue to play, with their home fixtures being moved to neutral venues.

Things could yet change, however, with UEFA intimating that further EGMs will be called to react to the situation as it develops in the coming days and weeks.

Scotland Women had been due to travel to Kyiv to face Ukraine in a World Cup qualifier on April 8 but that fixture will now be moved to a neutral venue.

UEFA has also confirmed that the Champions League final, due to be played in St Petersburg, Russia on May 28 has now been switched to the Stade de France in Paris.

The governing body’s statement read: “The UEFA Executive Committee today held an extraordinary meeting following the grave escalation of the security situation in Europe.

“The UEFA Executive Committee decided to relocate the final of the 2021/22 UEFA Men’s Champions League from Saint Petersburg to Stade de France in Saint-Denis. The game will be played as initially scheduled on Saturday 28 May at 21:00 CET.

“UEFA wishes to express its thanks and appreciation to French Republic President Emmanuel Macron for his personal support and commitment to have European club football’s