UEFA kick Russian club Spartak Moscow out of Europa League after Putin invades Ukraine

UEFA have kicked Spartak Moscow out of the Europa League amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Spartak were due to take on RB Leipzig in the last 16 of Europe's second tier competition, with games to be played on March 10 and March 17.

But the German club have now been given a bye straight through to the quarter-finals.

Speaking before the announcement was made official, Leipzig CEO, Oliver Mintzlaff said: "We continue to be in close contact with the associations and have complete confidence in Uefa and their decision.

"We assume that the games will be cancelled."

Europe's football governing body had already taken sanctions on all Russian and Ukrainian clubs before this move, saying all home games involving teams from either country would be played at neutral venues until further notice.

The footballing world has also taken a strong stance on Russia since its attack, with England among a number of nations confirming it would refuse to play them “for the foreseeable future."

“Out of solidarity with Ukraine and to wholeheartedly condemn the atrocities being committed by the Russian leadership, the FA can confirm that we won’t play against Russia in any international fixtures for the foreseeable future", an FA statement read.

“This includes any potential match at any level of senior, age group or para football.”