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

David Moyes supports UEFA's decision to remove Spartak Moscow from the Europa League as part of wider sanctions against Russia after the invasion of Ukraine

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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."

In contrast Leipzig released a statement supporting UEFA's decision and that of FIFA to suspend Russia from World Cup qualifying.

"For us, war in any form is unacceptable. We have always clearly emphasized this attitude," the Bundesliga club said.

"UEFA today banned all matches involving Russian clubs. Even though we are of the opinion that sport fundamentally unites, we understand and support this decision and hope that a peaceful solution to the conflict will soon be found."

West Ham manager David Moyes also supported UEFA's decision, however, the Scot believes the governing body were slow to react to the situation.

"I totally agree [with the sanctions]," Moyes said. "It could probably have been done even quicker. UEFA have worked really hard. They have got rid of games and they have moved the Champions League final.

"Football is such a powerful tool all round the world. Every country watches the Premier League. and the Champions League because of that, it is really important that we take action and make sure we isolate them [Russia] completely. I am not a politician but that’s how I feel about the football side."