Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Wales Online
Wales Online
Sport
Ian Mitchelmore

Wales have just been given a massive World Cup play-off boost as FIFA announce suspension update

FIFA have wiped out yellow cards picked up in World Cup qualifying from the records of sides involved in the play-offs, it has been confirmed.

Wales are due to face Austria in the semi-finals at Cardiff City Stadium on March 24.

However, they had seven players who were all just one caution away from being suspended for a potential final against Scotland or Ukraine, should Rob Page's men emerge victorious in the last four.

But, following a request from UEFA, the governing body of world football have decided that yellow cards that did not result in a red card in the qualifiers will be cancelled.

An FAW statement read: "Following a request from UEFA, FIFA have decided to cancel all cautions that have not resulted in a sending-off prior to the play-offs of the preliminary competition to the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.

Aaron Ramsey, Chris Gunter, Harry Wilson, James Lawrence, Joe Allen, Kieffer Moore and Sorba Thomas all had a booking to their names going into the semi-finals.

The one-leg semi-final against Austria gets under way at 7:45pm on Thursday, March 24.

Should Wales reach the final, they will host the winner of the semi-final fixture between Scotland and Ukraine on Tuesday, March 29.

The winner of the final will book their place at the World Cup in Qatar - which runs between November and December this year.

Joe Morrell remains suspended for the semi-final after he received his second booking of the qualifying campaign in the 1-1 draw with Belgium in November.

For the latest football news and analysis delivered straight to your inbox, you can sign up for our newsletter here.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.