Ukraine World Cup bye considered by FIFA as Wales chief reveals 'loose discussions' with Scotland and Austria

FIFA considered handing Ukraine a bye straight into the World Cup group stage, according to Welsh FA chief Noel Mooney.

The harrowing Russian invasion has put Ukrainian football on ice for the foreseeable with their playoff semi-final with Scotland postponed until June.

The Scottish FA have frequently expressed solidarity with their opponents and are keen to do everything they can to help.

Wales will face Austria in the other semi-final as planned on March 24 with Scotland facing Poland on that date.

Steve Clarke 's side will then face the loser from Wales and Austria away from home on March 29, the date originally earmarked for the final.

It had been suggested that Scotland, Wales and Austria could step aside altogether and allow Ukraine to go straight into the group stage at Qatar 2022.

And while Welsh chief Mooney reveals a bye was on the table, he says it would have led to an expansion to 33 teams, rather than potentially coming at Scotland's expense.

Mooney told the PA news agency: "It was a Welsh perspective that if it could be accommodated it could be a really good thing to do.

"It's something as a human being you would say, 'OK if they're not ready to play in June should they be given a bye'.

"There was some loose discussion around it, saying could you get an extra space for Ukraine because of the horrendous time they are going through.

"But it would mean an extra team in the World Cup as there's three teams left - ourselves, Scotland and Austria - and it's a big thing for us to qualify for the World Cup.

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