‘They need to keep the name of Ukraine at the forefront of everyone’s mind’
Graeme Souness has suggested that the World Cup should expand one of the groups to five teams to allow Ukraine to compete in Qatar.
Ukraine face Scotland in the World Cup play-off semi final on Wednesday in their first competitive game since the Russian invasion of the country in February.
The fixture was initially due to be played in March, but as a result of the invasion, was rescheduled to June and the winner of the game at Hampden Park will go on to face Wales on June 5 in the play-off final.
But Souness, who made 54 appearances for his national side, feels that Ukraine should be guaranteed a place in the World Cup finals regardless of the result as it is important to keep them at the centre of the focus.
Souness on Ukraine
“What’s happening in Ukraine transcends football,” he told Sky Sports.
“We’re witnessing pictures that I’ve never seen in my life before. It’s only four hours’ flying time from where we’re standing, it’s not the other side of the world, that could visit us sometime.
“Football has such a big part to play in so many people’s lives and for me what FIFA should do, it doesn’t matter what happens tonight, should send Ukraine to the World Cup.
“Make a group of five somewhere. Ukraine should be going to the World Cup. They need to keep the name of Ukraine at the forefront of everyone’s mind.”
🗣 “Ukraine should be going to the World Cup. They need to keep the name of Ukraine at the forefront of everyone’s mind.”
Graeme Souness says FIFA should have Ukraine at the World Cup regardless of the result tonight and even suggests to make a group stage with 5 teams. 🇺🇦 pic.twitter.com/zFTXerViQs
— Football Daily (@footballdaily) June 1, 2022
Souness’ comments follow after he said that he wanted to see his own side lose the game and even go on to win the World Cup come December in the build up to the fixture.
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