Ukraine manager Oleksandr Petrakov has dismissed suggestions that his side should be given a place at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar rather than face potential playoff matches against Scotland and Wales that have been postponed following the start of Russia’s attack on Ukraine.
Senior international managerial newcomer Petrakov’s side should have known their fate by now after they were drawn to visit Scotland in the playoff semifinals on March 25, when a win would have sent them through to a decider in Wales on March 29.
Those games were postponed by playoff organizers UEFA until June, although Wales, Scotland and Ukraine will discover who they will face at the finals should they progress when the draw is made as part of the 72nd FIFA Congress in Doha on Friday.
There are concerns that the uncertainty in Ukraine could make it difficult for Petrakov and his squad to play matches in June, and some commentators have suggested that they could be given a bye to the finals.