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Scotland is set to face Ukraine on 1 June 2022 for their postponed World Cup play-off semi-final. The news was confirmed by the Scottish Football Association when their chief executive Ian Maxwell this week flew to UEFA headquarters in Nyon to finalise arrangements for the fixture. The match will be played at Hampden Park and then the winner of this game faces Wales in Cardiff on Sunday, June 5.
While talking about the fixture Maxwell was quoted saying, "Firstly, it will be great to be able to welcome to Ukraine to Hampden Park in June. While, understandably, there will be two sets of competitive players who are committed to taking another step closer to World Cup qualification, we also understand and appreciate the wider context in which the match will take place."
“We have been consistent throughout that postponing the original tie was the right and only thing to do and look forward to hosting Ukraine at Hampden Park in June.”
Scottish FA raises £500,000 for Ukraine
A few days back the Scottish FA in collaboration with Poland FA had organised a football friendly between the two nations for raising funds for helping the children of war-torn Ukraine. £10 were donated from each ticket as they managed to raise a total of £500,000.
While discussing this match Ian Maxwell said, “Everyone at the Scottish FA has been overwhelmed - but not surprised - by the generosity of the Scotland fans and those who could not make the game but were moved to make a personal donation. Along with the counterparts at the Polish FA, this was a resounding show of solidarity with a country and its people, while raising as much money to help them as we can in the process.”
Jon Sparkes, chief executive at the UK Committee for the humanitarian charity, thanked the SFA for organising this match and the fans who were present at the Hampden to watch the match. “The money raised will enable UNICEF to continue to provide emergency medical services, including medicines and health supplies, hygiene kits, safe water and shelter, as well as psychosocial support for those affected by the conflict,” said Sparkes.