Manchester United will travel to Chisinau to take on Sheriff Tiraspol rather than Transnitira in this year’s Europa League because of Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine.
Russia reportedly base around 1,500 troops in the region of Transnitaria, and several explosions have been heard since April in what is supposedly a frozen conflict zone.
This has caused concern that Moldova could end up involved Russia’s war with Ukraine, and Sheriff, who beat Real Madrid two years ago, were on Friday banned from playing European games in Transnitaria this season, meaning United’s game in Maldova later this year will be moved.
Manchester United’s Europa League Clash With Sheriff Set To Be MOVED From Transnistria. Moldova, which borders Ukraine, has suffered a series of bomb threats over the last month amid Russia’s attack.
Since the beginning of July, according to ABC News, the country has received 60 threats, but is doing its best to continue life as normal, with domestic football now too returning to Ukraine.
No one has yet been charged for the threats, but officials say they have traced computer addresses to Russia, Ukraine and Belarus.
Maldova is historically closely linked with Moscow, and the country’s authorities are already overstretched.
‘At the moment, all criminal investigations are ongoing,’ said Maxim Motinga, a prosecutor from Moldova’s Office for Combating Organized Crime.
United were drawn to face the Moldovans in the Europa League draw earlier today, alongside Real Sociedad of Spain and Cypriot side Omonia Nicosia.
Arsenal, meanwhile, will face PSV Eindhoven in Group A, who are managed by Ruud van Nistelrooy.
The Dutch side were shocked by Rangers on Wednesday, beaten in Holland as Rangers progressed to the Champions League.
Arsenal will also take on Bodo/Glimt and FC Zurich.
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