Uefa has moved the Europa League last-32 clash between Dynamo Kiev and Valencia to Cyprus because of the ongoing trouble in Ukraine, the Valencia president Amadeo Salvo has confirmed.
While the kick-off time remains the same (10pm UAE tonight), the tie will take place at the GSP Stadium in Nicosia, Salvo announced on his club’s official website.
Uefa had been monitoring the situation in Ukraine ahead of Thursday’s match following almost three months of anti-government protests that have paralysed parts of the country’s capital in a struggle over the identity of a nation divided in loyalties between Russia and the west.
The violence has recently escalated, with Ukraine authorities saying 25 people have died and more than 240 have been injured during clashes between police and anti-government protesters since Tuesday.
IN PICTURES: KIEV CONSUMED BY CHAOS
Igor Surkis, the Dynamo Kiev president, had attempted to allay fears for those travelling with the Spanish club and offered an assurance that the Olimpic Stadium was ready to host the game, before Uefa made their decision.
The Valencia squad were due to board a flight for Kiev Wednesday afternoon but abandoned the trip after receiving confirmation from Uefa that the game has been relocated to Cyprus, the Mediterranean island nation.
Salvo said in a statement: “According to a decision taken by Uefa, the match against FC Dynamo Kiev will be played this Thursday 20th February at 19:00 CET in Nicosia.”
Elsewhere tonight, Juande Ramos faces his former club Tottenham Hotspur tonight as Dnipro host the Premier League side in Ukraine.
The Spanish coach was sacked by the English club in October 2008, just seven months after winning the League Cup.
sports@thenational.ae
