Spartak says exclusion from Europa League 'disturbing' but 'expectable'

"UEFA and FIFA have decided to exclude us from the Europa League, which means that our round of 16 tie with Leipzig will not go as planned. extremely upsetting. Unfortunately, our club's entire performance in the Europa League was canceled for reasons outside the sporting scope", says Spartak Moscow, in a statement published on the official website.

The Moscow club, which at the beginning of the season was coached by the Portuguese Rui Vitória, considered that "sport, even in difficult times, should help build bridges and not destroy them".

"We are forced to obey a decision with which we do not agree. For the time being, we will concentrate on internal competitions and we hope that the peace that everyone needs is quickly achieved", concludes the note from the Muscovites, who occupy a modest ninth place. in the Russian League.