Vittesse Arnhem have issued a new statement confirming they are in contact with UEFA while they wait for a decision to be made over Tottenham’s cancelled Europa Conference League tie against Rennes.
The Dutch side entered the final match-week in a two-way battle for the final qualification spot in Group G, but Spurs’ match against the French outfit was postponed due to a Covid-19 outbreak in the Lilywhites’ camp.
Rennes, who arrived in London on Wednesday ready to play the fixture, later released a statement expressing their frustration for Tottenham’s lack of fair play with the cancellation.
Meanwhile, Vitesse published a letter questioning the integrity of the match not being played at the same time as their final group game against NS Mura, worrying it would have an effect on their future hopes of qualification.
However, they ended up playing against the Slovenian side and secured a 3-1 win which crucially sent them above Spurs and into second-place.
Since then, UEFA have released a statement saying Spurs’ clash against Rennes will not be rescheduled, with a solution not being reached between both parties.
As such, that has prompted Vitesse to publish a fresh view while reinforcing their expectations to be named in the hat for the knockout draw on Monday.
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A statement read on their official website: “Vitesse has been in the waiting room of the UEFA Europa Conference League since the 3-1 victory over NŠ Mura, because the game between Tottenham Hotspur and Stade Rennais FC was cancelled after a Corona outbreak.
“On Saturday it became clear that this game has been definitively cancelled, but at the same time Vitesse is still awaiting a decision about the exact consequences of this.
“Tottenham Hotspur vs Stade Rennais FC will definitely no longer be played, because no alternative date could be found in consultation with both clubs in recent days.
“The situation is now in the hands of the UEFA Control, Ethics and Disciplinary body, which will make a decision on the further course of Group G in the UEFA Europa Conference League.
“Vitesse is in contact with UEFA, but it could take a few more days before the European Football Association’s disciplinary committee makes a decision.
“There is therefore a good chance that two clubs (‘Vitesse/Tottenham Hotspur’) will be in one ball next Monday at 2 pm (CET) in the draw for the next round.
“The numbers two of the group stage will play in an intermediate round against the numbers three of the UEFA Europa League on Thursday 17 and Thursday 24 February.”
Spurs Web Opinion
This is a scheduling and logistical nightmare, but there isn’t much anyone can do with the pandemic still having a big effect on people around the world. If it isn’t safe enough to play any time soon, then it is ultimately going to be tricky to fulfil it in time.
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