Ukrainian club Metalist Kharkiv to appeal against Champions League ban

The FC Metalist team pose before the UEFA Europa League, round of 32 match

Ukrainian football club Metalist Kharkiv have decided to appeal against the ban imposed on them by UEFA, which disallows participation in the Champions League.

The club has been banned by the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA), following the match fixing allegations levelled against them, which are under investigation.

UEFA have gone ahead with the ban after the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) have also upheld a five year ban, which was imposed on Yevhen Krasnikov the club’s director by the Ukranian Football Federation.

Metalist Kharkiv now will appeal to CAS who have the authority to suspend the sanctions imposed on them. The UEFA, on the other hand have gone ahead and announced Greek football club PAOK Thessaloniki as replacements, in place of Metalist.

Metalist were to play Schalke, in the Champions league play-off scheduled for a week from now.

Kostyantyn Pyvovarov, the vice-president of the club 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.” reported Sky Sports.

“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.” he added.