Rangers’ UEFA Europa League play-off opponents could be forced to forfeit the upcoming tie due to visa problems ahead of their proposed trip to Ibrox this Thursday.
As reported by The Daily Record, FC Ufa revealed this weekend that a stringent UK visa process for Russian citizens is putting their trip to Glasgow this week at risk, meaning that Steven Gerrard’s side could automatically qualify for the group stages of the competition.
The Russian club’s president, Shamil Gazizov, said:
We are actively engaged in trying to obtain British visas. But everyone must understand this is a very difficult and challenging situation.
After the game against Dinamo, we will go with our prepared documents to the British Embassy.
We hope they are able to accelerate the process, but we will know for certain what is happening on Monday.
We have been told even the accelerated process takes a minimum of five days so that would obviously not be enough time for us.
It’s a fairly ludicrous situation but one which could massively benefit the Gers.
The Record say that recent tensions between the two countries have led to a tightening of visa applications with Spartak Moscow suffering a similar problem earlier this summer and cyclist Igor Frolov being unable to compete in July’s European Championships held in Glasgow.
From a sporting perspective, it would obviously be best if we encountered Thursday’s visitors.
Steven Gerrard stated on Sunday that he is eager to play the Russians in front of a rocking Ibrox. The way things are going right now, who could blame him?
Would you prefer to make the group stages of the UEFA Europa League by default? Share your thoughts in the comments below…