UEFA have temporarily lifted Atletico Madrid's two-match home stadium ban for the Champions League match against Liverpool next week, European soccer's governing body said today. UEFA had punished the Primera Liga side on Tuesday after crowd problems marred their match against Olympique Marseille at the Calderon on Oct 1. The club appealed the decision.
"It should be emphasised that suspension of the sanctions does not mean that the decision of the Control and Disciplinary Body has been set aside," said a statement from UEFA.
"The decision remains in force pending a full hearing of the appeal which will now take place on Oct 31st at the UEFA headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland."
The Spanish club's website (www.clubatleticodemadrid.com) said: "UEFA's appeals committee, after their meeting on Oct 16, have agreed to temporarily suspend the punishment as requested by Atletico Madrid.
"As a result the Champions League match scheduled for October 22nd against Liverpool will be played in the Vicente Calderon, and Atletico coach Javier Aguirre will be able to take his place on the bench."
UEFA had ordered Atletico Madrid to play their next two Champions League home matches at least 300 kilometres from the Spanish capital following the problems against Marseille.
They added the punishment could be extended to a third home match should there be further trouble at the Vicente Calderon within a five-year probationary period.
They were also fined €150,000 and Aguirre was banned from carrying out his functions for their next two Champions League fixtures in Group D.
The short notice of the stadium closure had raised strong protests from both Atletico and Liverpool, with most fans having already made their travel plans for Wednesday's encounter.
