World Cup playoff draw: Wales face Bosnia, Northern Ireland head to Italy, Ireland go to Prague

A Croatian investigative reporter has filed a legal complaint against Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić in Milan, alleging his involvement in the 'Sarajevo safari' case. This case involves claims that snipers from Italy and other countries traveled to Sarajevo during the 1990s to kill civilians during the city's siege. Milan prosecutors have initiated an investigation to identify those Italians allegedly involved in these crimes.

The former leader of Reform UK in Wales has admitted to accepting bribes linked to pro-Russian activities. The politician is set to be sentenced on Friday, following revelations from WhatsApp messages that exposed the bribery scheme.

New ice warnings have been issued across Scotland, England, and Wales for Friday, with the coldest night of the week anticipated on Thursday. Authorities are urging residents to exercise caution due to the expected hazardous conditions.

A report from the Covid inquiry has found that the early response to the pandemic in Wales was inadequate. The inquiry assessed the actions taken by all four governments in the UK, highlighting the challenges faced during the initial stages of the health crisis.

The FIFA World Cup playoff draw featured a lively event with notable figures and a variety of visual elements. Melanie Winiger hosted the draw, which included FIFA legends and a showcase of the tournament's history. Ireland and Wales are strategizing their paths as they prepare for the playoffs, with Wales set to host Bosnia-Herzegovina and Northern Ireland traveling to Italy.

Musician Joy Crookes has expressed concern over the rise of far-right politics in the UK and Ireland, describing the current climate as a 'dark time.' She noted that the recent display of national flags during her visits to London and Dublin made her feel unsafe, drawing parallels to the 1970s when the National Front was prominent. Crookes recently performed two sold-out shows at the O2 Academy in Brixton.

The UK is experiencing severe winter weather, with significant snowfall, ice, and freezing temperatures affecting various regions. The Met Office has issued multiple yellow weather warnings, indicating potential travel disruptions and power outages. Hundreds of schools are closed, and many roads are hazardous due to the adverse conditions, marking the first major winter blast of the season.

Wales will host Bosnia-Herzegovina and Northern Ireland will travel to Italy in the semi-finals of the World Cup play-offs. This draw sets the stage for both teams to compete for a place in the 2026 World Cup.