FC SHERIFF’S Europa Conference League clash with Partizan Belgrade has allegedly been ordered to be played behind closed doors.
The Football Federation of Moldova has reportedly been instructed to ensure the match against the Serbian side is played without fans as it presents “real danger” to the country’s statehood.
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Politician Adrian Keptonar reportedly said on Moldovan television: “At first, it was planned that fans of the Serbian team would arrive in our country.
“Thanks to the efforts of the Security Intelligence Service long before the information provided by (Volodymyr) Zelenskyy appeared, the Serbian national team will play in front of empty stands, because that is how they planned to bring in saboteurs.”
President of Moldova Maia Sandu yesterday accused Russia of trying to “overthrow” her country’s pro-EU government.
Sandu, 50, said: “The Kremlin’s attempts to bring violence to Moldova will not work.
“Our main goal is the security of citizens and the state. Our goal is peace and public order in the country.
“The purpose of these actions is to overturn the constitutional order, to change the legitimate power from Chisinau to an illegitimate one that would put our country at Russia’s disposal to stop the European integration process, but also so that Moldova can be used by Russia in its war against Ukraine.”
Sandu also reportedly revealed that she has received information from Ukraine that Russia are “preparing forceful action” via “saboteurs”.
These “saboteurs” are claimed to have been prepared from Belarus and the Balkans, which includes Serbia, and Russia itself.
Sheriff qualified for the Europa Conference League knockout phase after coming third in their Europa League group, in which Manchester United came second.
They welcomed the Red Devils to Chisinau in September, Erik ten Hag’s side winning 2-0 at Zimbru Stadium.
They then lost 3-0 at Old Trafford the following month, with Marcus Rashford and Cristiano Ronaldo among the scorers.
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