FIFA have handed Scotland a major World Cup boost after approving a yellow card amnesty ahead of March’s play-off clash with Ukraine.
Eight Scots were walking a suspension tightrope ahead of the Hampden showdown, with just one booking threatening their involvement in a potential final against either Wales or Austria.
Boss Steve Clarke had appealed for FIFA to wipe the caution count ahead of the play-offs.
Now the game’s global governing body has okayed that request after European chiefs UEFA stepped in on behalf of the continent’s 12 remaining Qatar hopefuls.
It means Scotland skipper Andy Robertson, John McGinn, Che Adams, Billy Gilmour, Jack Hendry, Scott McTominay, Kevin Nisbet and Stephen O’Donnell are all now free from the threat of suspension ahead of the Ukraine clash on March 24.
The news will also come as a huge relief to the Welsh, who had seven players including Juventus star Aaron Ramsey facing a ban if they were booked against the Austrians.
If Scotland overcome the Ukrainians, they will face a trip to Cardiff or Vienna on March 29.
An SFA spokesman said: “Following our request to UEFA, we're pleased to confirm that FIFA have cancelled all cautions ahead of the World Cup play-offs in March.”
