Steve Clarke could be kept waiting for another two weeks before finding out if Scotland’s World Cup play-off with Ukraine is to go ahead.
Record Sport understands Hampden’s top brass have received no indication whether or not the war torn country will be sending a team to Glasgow for the semi-final later this month as the world watches on in horror at the escalating crisis inside its borders following Russia’s invasion.
As tensions heightened FIFA and UEFA were finally forced to boot all Russian sides out of club and international competitions.
SFA president Rod Petrie, meanwhile, wrote to his counterpart in Kyiv yesterday to offer ‘support, friendship and unity’ as well as pledge assistance with any preparations which might be required for the match to be played as planned on Thursday March 24.
But the game’s governing body is still in the dark as to whether or not the Ukrainians will be willing or able to fulfil the fixture - or if UEFA might postpone it until later this year.
Clarke plans to name a squad for the game in a fortnight’s time, on March 15, and SFA chief executive Ian Maxwell hopes to have been given definitive clarification from Nyon at least 24 hours before that announcement is made.
The SFA’s website crashed on Monday morning when tickets went on general sale for the game which could take Clarke’s men to within 90 minutes of a first World Cup Finals since France 98.
But a source warned us: “The situation is obviously extremely sensitive and, while this game means a great deal to Scotland and the Tartan Army, we have to be mindful of the real life crisis which is unfolding in the streets of their cities.
“Given these dreadful circumstances, it would be wholly inappropriate for anyone to seek assurances over whether or not a game of football can go ahead. The SFA will not be doing so - it’s just a matter of waiting to see what transpires and sending our support to the people of Ukraine.
“In the meantime, we will be guided by UEFA and would expect them to reach a decision by March 14, before Steve names his squad.”
In a statement released on Monday the SFA joined a global sporting backlash against despot Vladimir Putin, insisting that Scotland will refuse to compete against Russia at international level while the conflict continues.
As part of the boycott, it was also confirmed Scotland will not sanction an amateur national side to face Russia in a UEFA Regions Cup game scheduled to take place in August.
But the ongoing crisis could cause further complications as Clarke’s full team is also scheduled to play against the Ukrainians in the Nations League, at Hampden on June 7 with the return leg on September 26.
And, on top of that, Scotland have to travel to face Armenia on June 14 with an anticipated flight-path which would take them through Russia and Ukrainian air space.
Scotland’s women are also scheduled to fly to Ukraine for a World Cup qualifier on April 8.
But while confusion surrounds the international fixture list the SFA insist the games are ‘inconsequential’ in the current climate of bloodshed and chaos.
The statement read: “The Scottish FA President, Rod Petrie, has written to his counterpart at the Ukrainian Association of Football to send a message of support, friendship and unity.
“Football is inconsequential amid conflict, but we have conveyed the strong sense of solidarity communicated to us by Scotland fans and citizens in recent days.
“We remain in dialogue with UEFA and FIFA regarding our men’s FIFA World Cup Play-off and women’s World Cup qualifier and have offered to support our Ukrainian colleagues’ preparations as best we can in these unimaginably difficult circumstances.
“Should the current circumstances continue, we will not sanction the nomination of a team to participate in our scheduled UEFA Regions Cup fixture against Russia, due to be played in August.
“This will remain our position should any other fixtures arise at any level of international football.”
Later in the afternoon the SFA also released a joint statement signed by Liverpool star Andy Robertson and Scotland’s women’s skipper Rachel Corsie.
It read: “The Scotland men’s and women’s national teams stand in solidarity with our fellow participants from Ukraine’s football community.
“A match, no matter how significant on the pitch, feels unimportant right now but we intend to express our friendship and unity when we face each other next month.
“In the meantime we pray for your wellbeing and the safety of all those people needlessly suffering.
“Until we meet, we send our love.”
On Monday evening, after holding crisis talks, FIFA confirmed that Russia will not compete in the World Cup play-offs and Spartak Moscow will also be banned from the last 16 of the Europa League.
A multi-million pound deal with Champions League sponsors Gazprom - a state owned energy giant - was also terminated with immediate effect.
A joint statement from FIFA and UEFA read: “Football is fully united here and in full solidarity with all the people affected in Ukraine.
“Both presidents hope that the situation in Ukraine will improve significantly and rapidly so that football can again be a vector for unity and peace amongst people.”
