UEFA Champions League: Birkirkara awarded 3-0 win

UEFA has awarded Birkirkara a 3-0 win in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League first qualifying round against FC Santa Coloma.

The game was due to be played on Tuesday at the pitch of the Estadi Comunal in Andorra La Vella but following an inspection by the UEFA Delegate and referee, the game was cancelled as they ruled that the “playing surface is not conducive for the health and safety of the players.”

The chairman ad hoc of the UEFA Control and Disciplinary Body ruled that Santa Coloma must forfeit the first leg of their first qualifying round tie against the Maltese champions by a 3-0 scoreline. In addition it handed down a €10,000 fine to the Andorran club as a punishment that will be suspended for a probationary two-year period.

In making its ruling, the Control and Disciplinary Body studied the reports of the delegate, referee and referee observer from the now cancelled match. Santa Coloma may appeal within three days of notification of the grounds for the decision.

The second leg will go ahead as scheduled on Tuesday 6 July at the Centenary Stadium, kick-off at 18:00 (and not at 17:30 as originally scheduled). In the event of FC Santa Coloma winning the game in Malta by 3-0, a period of extra time will follow.