BORIS JOHNSON was nearly wrong-footed when he was quizzed on Ukraine getting a free pass to the World Cup at Scotland’s expense.
Speaking at the Nato press conference in Brussels, The Sun posed several questions to the Prime Minister, including one about the war-torn country’s qualification for this year’s tournament in Qatar.
Ukraine were due to play Scotland in a play-off semi-final this evening, but the tie was postponed to June due to the Russian invasion.
And Mr Johnson was asked about the idea of Ukraine getting automatic qualification – a prospect that could, in theory, see them grab a spot at Scotland’s expense.
Our reporter asked the PM: “You said earlier that you’d like to see Ukraine handed the hosting of the next World Cup.
“Would you like to see them automatically qualify for this year’s World Cup?”
As part of a long answer to several points, the PM replied: “On Ukraine qualifying for the, for the European – is it the European?
“I’m not, look, I, football is not my best subject, as you know.”
After an interruption from the Press corps, the PM added: “The World Cup?
“You mean should they be given a bye and qualify automatically? Sounds like a good idea to me. But I’m out of area here.
“I’ve got to admit, that’s not my strong subject. I don’t, I don’t see why not, is my view.”
Another reporter is then heard saying: “Instead of Scotland?”
Mr Johnson replied: “James, I’m not going to say that.”
The same reporter then appeared to say: “That’s who they’re playing.”
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The PM responded with a nervous laugh and said: “I’m not going to comment on that, James. I’m not going to comment on that.”
But before moving to the next question, Mr Johnson said: “But let me put it this way.
“Given what Ukraine has been going through, given the privations that Ukrainian footballers have had to endure, I’m sure that every possible sympathy, and allowances should be made for them.
“Let me put it that way. How about that?”
Meanwhile, Scotland are instead set to face off against Poland at Hampden Park, Glasgow, in a friendly this evening.
Both countries have taken the opportunity to raise money for Unicef’s work in Ukraine, with £10 from every ticket sold going to the charity.
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