Russia-Ukraine war: Spartak Moscow slam UEFA for kicking them out of Europa League

Russian Premier League side, Spartak Moscow has said it is “extremely upsetting” for UEFA to kick them out of the Europa League.

On Monday, FIFA and UEFA published a joint statement, in which they suspended Russian clubs and national teams from all football competitions until further notice.

This follows Russian President, Vladimir Putin’s decision to invade Ukraine last week.

It also means the men’s national team will not play in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, while its women’s team will also be barred from playing in this summer’s European Championships in England.

UEFA confirmed Spartak Moscow’s suspension in the Europa League means German side RB Leipzig qualify to the quarter-finals without having to play.

Spartak released a statement afterwards, in which they explained their efforts in Europe’s competition “have been nullified for reasons that are far outside the remit of sports.”

It added that: “We believe that sport, even in the most difficult times, should aim to build bridges, and not burn them. We are forced to obey a decision that we do not agree with.

“For now, we shall focus on domestic competitions, and are looking forward to a speedy achievement of peace that everybody needs.”