Ukraine ask for World Cup play-off vs Scotland to be postponed after Russia invasion

Ukraine have asked FIFA to postpone their World Cup play-off semi-final against Scotland, set to take place at Hampden Park in Glasgow on March 24.

Russian president Vladimir Putin ordered his country's army to invade Ukraine last Thursday, starting a horrific war in eastern Europe.

The winner of that game between Scotland and Ukraine is set to face either Wales or Austria on March 29 for a spot at this year's tournament in Qatar.

Many Ukrainian internationals play for clubs based in their homeland. The Ukrainian Premier League has been suspended until further notice amid the conflict.

Others, such as West Ham forward Andriy Yarmolenko, have been given compassionate leave by their club.

FIFA are currently working with UEFA and the Scottish Football Association to "find an appropriate solution" to Ukraine's request.

"FIFA expresses its deepest solidarity to everybody affected by what is happening in Ukraine," said a spokesperson. "A further update will be provided in due course."

The World Cup draw is scheduled to take place on April 1, although the tournament does not start until November.

Scotland nor Austria have qualified for the World Cup since 1998. Wales, meanwhile, haven't graced international football's biggest stage since 1958.

Ukraine have been FIFA members since 1992, making them eligible to qualify for the World Cup from the 1998 edition onwards. They've reached just one tournament, in 2006.

But Ukraine are regulars at the Euros, losing to England in the quarter-finals last summer. They hosted Euro 2012 alongside Poland, with the final being staged in Kyiv.

Scotland's women are also due to face Ukraine in a World Cup qualifier in Ukraine on April 8. It's unclear where that game will now be held, if it