Excluded from Europa League, Spartak Moscow Hopes Ukraine-Russia to Make Peace Soon

DBasia.news – A day later after FIFA issued a statement regarding Russia regarding their military operation in Ukraine, with the name change and the match being held at a neutral venue without spectators, this time FIFA and UEFA took a more decisive stance.

FIFA and UEFA have suspended or temporarily suspended the participation of Russian clubs and national teams in European as well as world competitions. It had a direct impact also on Spartak Moscow.

The club coached by Paolo Vanoli participated in the knockout stages of the Europa League after passing through the group C stage as the leader of the table, ahead of Napoli, Leicester City and Legia Warsaw. However, with FIFA and UEFA’s decision, they can no longer continue in the Europa League.

Spartak Moscow, which was scheduled to play against RB Leipzig in the last 16, failed to take place. Spartak regretted the decision and was forced to accept it, hoping for a speedy peace between Russia and Ukraine.

“UEFA and FIFA have decided to exclude (Spartak) from participating in the Europa League at this time. This means that our last 16 match against RB Leipzig will not go as planned,” said a statement from Spartak.

“This ruling relates to the organization’s position on the recent events that took place in Ukraine.”

“The recent decisions taken by UEFA and FIFA, although predictable, are very disappointing. Unfortunately, the efforts made by our clubs in the Europa League have been canceled for reasons far beyond the jurisdiction of sport.”

“Spartak has millions of fans not only in Russia, but all over the world. Our successes and failures brought people from dozens of different countries together.”

“We believe that sport, even in the most difficult times, should aim to build bridges, and not burn them. We were forced to comply with decisions we didn’t agree with.”

“For now, we will focus on domestic competition, and look forward to achieving the peace that everyone needs.”

RB Leipzig also understands the decision taken by UEFA and FIFA.

“For us, war in any form is unacceptable. We always clearly emphasize this attitude,” added RB Leipzig.

“UEFA has today banned all matches involving Russian clubs. Although we believe that sport is fundamentally united, we understand and support this decision and hope that a peaceful solution to the conflict will be found soon.”