Scottish FA show Ukraine support and will refuse to play against Russia

It comes in the wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine

Published 28th Feb 2022
Last updated 28th Feb 2022

The Scottish FA will refuse to put a team forward to face Russia at any level of football for the foreseeable future.

President Rob Petrie has sent a letter of 'support, friendship and unity' to the Ukrainian Association of Football in the wake of Russia's invasion of the country.

Scotland are due to face Ukraine in the World Cup play off's semi-finals next month and have offered them support for their preparations.

An amateur side are also scheduled to take on Russia in the UEFA Regions Cup later this year but the Scottish FA have revealed they'll refuse to fulfill the fixture should the current circumstances continue.

A statement said: "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."