Metalist to Appeal UEFA Ban

Metalist Kharkiv are to appeal against their ban from European football, incurred following an investigation into match-fixing.

The Ukrainian club were scheduled to play Schalke in a play-off to reach the Champions League next week, though European governing body UEFA has now banned Metalist from its competitions this season. Greek club PAOK Thessaloniki will now face Schalke in the play-offs.

If Metalist appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), the club could be temporarily reinstated as the CAS hs the authority to suspend sanctions.

UEFA charged Metalist last week following the CAS decision to uphold a five-year ban on Yevhen Krasnikov, the club’s sporting director, imposed by the Ukrainian Football Federation.

Metalist vice-president Kostyantyn Pyvovarov said: “We regret that such a sanction was applied, and we do not agree with it.

“That’s why today we plan to appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne.

“Also, we have appealed to the Supreme Court of Switzerland with the application for suspension of CAS decision.

“I want to remind you that the contract match, which allegedly took place, was held back in 2008, with the old owners of the club.

“At the same time, ‘Metalist’ has won the right to participate in the Champions League 2013-14 in a fair fight.

“Our team, our fans deserve to take part in the main football competition in Europe.

“I want to assure fans that we will fight for the rights of the club and protect them in accordance with all legal requirements.”