Kiev game against Valencia moved to Cyprus
MADRID Wed Feb 19, 2014 5:12pm GMT
(Reuters) - Dynamo Kiev's Europa League last-32, first leg at home to Spanish club Valencia on Thursday has been moved to the Cypriot capital Nicosia due to civil unrest in the Ukrainian capital.
President Viktor Yanukovich has declared Thursday a day of mourning after at least 26 people died in the worst violence in Ukraine since the former Soviet republic gained independence.
Valencia's president, Amadeo Salvo, told reporters at the city's airport on Wednesday that "common sense" had prevailed and the game had been moved to Nicosia and would kick off at the original time of 1800 GMT.
"The players are having something to eat and in a few hours we are flying to Cyprus," Salvo said.
"It was very difficult to play in Kiev," he added.
"They guaranteed our security but the situation is very unpredictable and cannot be controlled and the best thing is to play at a neutral venue.
"We are satisfied. Common sense and the cordial relations between all involved have prevailed.
"The best thing, the most positive, is that there is no change to the date of the match or the La Liga calendar."
The Ukrainian government has launched a crackdown on protesters who have been occupying central Kiev for almost three months since Yanukovich rejected a trade deal with the European Union and accepted a $15-billion Russian bailout.
Salvo apologised to any Valencia supporters who had made the trip to Ukraine for the match.
Tottenham Hotspur face Dnipro FC in the Ukrainian city of Dnipropetrovsk with the English club advising travelling supporters, especially those going via Kiev, to be wary of getting caught up in demonstrations.
"Travelling fans are advised to avoid gatherings and areas where demonstrations could occur such as public squares and administrative buildings during journeys to and from the stadium," Spurs said on their website (www.tottenhamhotspur.com).
"Those fans that are travelling via Kiev should take extra care...avoid all demonstrations and public gatherings as even peaceful protests can be unpredictable," they said, adding fans should carry their passports on them at all times and expect police checks.
(Reporting by Iain Rogers; Editing by Rex Gowar)
