Soccer

Dynamo Kiev match moved to Cyprus due to Ukraine violence

Europa League game against Valencia will now take place in Nicosia on Thursday

Uefa have moved Dynamo Kiev’s home Europa League clash against Valencia to Cyprus due to continuing unrest in the country. At least 26 people died in the worst violence since the former Soviet republic gained independence. Photograph: Viktor Gurniak/Reuters
Uefa have moved Dynamo Kiev’s home Europa League clash against Valencia to Cyprus due to continuing unrest in the country. At least 26 people died in the worst violence since the former Soviet republic gained independence. Photograph: Viktor Gurniak/Reuters
Wed Feb 19 2014 - 15:14

Uefa have moved the Europa League last-32 clash between Dynamo Kiev and Valencia to a neutral stadium because of the ongoing trouble in Ukraine, Valencia president Amadeo Salvo has confirmed.

While the kick-off time remains the same (8.0pm local time), the tie will take place at the GSP Stadium in Nicosia, Cyprus, 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 Ukrainian authorities saying 26 people have died and more than 240 have been injured during clashes between police and anti-government protesters since Tuesday.

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Dynamo Kiev president Igor Surkis had attempted to allay fears for those travelling with the Spanish club and offered an assurance that the Olimpiyskiy stadium was ready to host Thursday’s match before Uefa made their decision.

The Valencia squad were due to board a flight for Kiev on Wednesday afternoon but abandoned the trip after receiving confirmation from Uefa that the game has been relocated to Cyprus.