Russia vs Ukraine: Spartak Moscow Reacts As UEFA Disqualifies It From Europa League Competition

Spartak in its reaction said it is paying for an offence it knows nothing about but prays for peace to return quickly.

The decision means German side RB Leipzig qualify to the quarter-finals of the competition without kicking the ball.

It will be recalled that the World football governing body, FIFA, and its European counterpart, UEFA had announced the suspension of Russia from international football.

This was made known in a joint statement on Monday by Fifa and Uefa.

TrackNews reports that this is following the invasion of Ukraine that has left hundreds of civilian casualties.

Reacting to the development, the Russian Premier League side said the reason for its disqualification is far outside football or sports.

It said sports should be a bridge-builder but they have no choice but to obey the directive.

The club statement 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.”