Graeme Souness believes Ukraine should be permitted entry into the World Cup whether they achieve automatic qualification or not.
Speaking ahead of Scotland's World Cup play-off clash with Ukraine, the former Scotland captain made some eye-catching comments about the mixed emotions he was feeling going into the encounter, and spoke passionately about his stance on Ukraine's current situation.
"It's the strangest emotional thing I've ever had about a football match." Souness said, live on Sky Sports.
"I'm Scottish. I used to captain the football team. Every single game I played in, I wanted to win desperately.
"I really have mixed emotions about tonight, because in my quieter moments, I keep coming back to the fact that football is so important to all of us, but what's happening in the Ukraine right now transcends football.
"This is life and death. We're witnessing pictures that I've never seen in my life before.
"It's only four hours flight from where we're standing, that could visit us one day.
"So we have to stand up, we have to support Ukraine, we have to get behind them as much as we possibly can.
"Football has such a big part to play in everyone's lives today, what FIFA should do is say - it doesn't matter what happens tonight. This team should be going to the World Cup. Make a group of five somewhere.
"Ukraine should be going to the World Cup just to keep the name Ukraine at the forefront of everyone's mind."
Scotland vs Ukraine is being played at Hampden Park in Glasgow.
The tie was originally delayed due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, which means Wales have had to wait to find out who they will face in the World Cup play-off final match on Sunday June 5.
The winner will gain the final available spot at the Qatar World Cup later this year.