What UEFA decision on Russia means for West Ham in Europa League amid Spartak Moscow statement

Spartak Moscow have been removed from the Europa League as part of UEFA's sanctions on Russia following the invasion of Ukraine.

The decision from the governing body leaves only 15 teams in the tournament with RB Leipzig receiving a bye to the quarter-final as a result.

As a result West Ham no longer have a chance of being paired with Spartak Moscow later in the competition and facing a potential decision of whether to take on a Russian team.

UEFA's original plan for the Leipzig vs Spartak match to take place on neutral territory was quickly shelved as the football and wider world reacted with incredulity over the decision.

Spartak have accepted UEFA's decision but stressed they disagree with the actions taken against their side.

"UEFA and FIFA have decided to exclude from the current iteration of the Europa League. This means that our round of 16 ties against RB Leipzig will not go ahead as planned," Spartak's statement reads.

"This verdict is connected to the organisations' position on recent events that have taken place in Ukraine.

"The recent decision taken by UEFA and FIFA although expected, is extremely upsetting. Unfortunately, the efforts that our club made in the Europa League have been nullified for reasons that are far outside the remit of sports.

"Spartak has millions of fans not only in Russia, but all over the world. Our successes and failures bring people from dozens of different countries together.

"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."

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