SFA hold Ukraine crisis talks with Austria and Wales as World Cup play off hangs in the balance

Austrian football chiefs say they have held talks with Scotland and Wales as the war in Ukraine raises serious doubts over the upcoming World Cup play-offs.

Steve Clarke's side are due to face Ukraine at Hampden in the semi-finals on March 24 but Russia's invasion of their neighbours has left the fixture facing huge uncertainty.

Domestic players make up the majority of the Ukraine squad but all 18-60 year-old men are currently unable to leave the country, with Shakhtar Donetsk boss Roberto De Zerbi claiming last week members of his team could be called up to fight.

FIFA and UEFA would have to decide whether to postpone the games until later this year, but that's further complicated because the World Cup draw is scheduled for April 1 and the remaining international dates are all full.

Austria and Wales are scheduled to square off in the other semi-final and the AFA say they are in continuing dialogue with the Scottish and Welsh FAs.

They stated: "First of all, all our thoughts are with the suffering and human tragedies caused by the invasion. The possibility of the game going ahead is not our immediate priority.

"However, the OFB is in constant contact with those responsible for operations in Scotland and Wales.

"The representatives of the three competing associations wish their Ukrainian colleagues the best in this difficult situation."