Anzhi home stadium ban upheld

Russian side Anzhi Makhachkala must once again find an alternative home venue for their 2013-14 UEFA Europa League ties.

The decision cames from UEFA’s Emergency Panel who made the ruling following security concerns around a situation in North Caucasus, a region which includes Anzhi’s home ground.

The 27,000 capacity Anzhi Arena is located in Kaspiysk, Dagestan; an area that have been subject to widespread conflict and UEFA made the request upon advice from several different governments.

They were also forced to play home games in Moscow last season, which saw incredibly low attendances, despite the high level of competition.

Anzhi, who boast players like Samuel Eto’o in their ranks, train in Moscow and made it to the last 16 in last season’s tournament, bowing out after losing 1-0 to Newcastle on aggregate over two legs.

The club is managed by Guus Hiddink and after finishing 5th in the 2011-12 Russian Premier League, they qualified for the group stage of the Europa League for the first time in their history.

After concluding their domestic competition in second last season, they will be hoping for another fruitful season.