NYON, Switzerland — A soccer club from Kazakhstan has been warned that it could face disciplinary action if it continues its ritual slaughter of sheep before matches.
Shakhter Karagandy killed a sheep last week at Astana Arena the day before beating Celtic 2-0 in the Champions League playoffs. In Glasgow, Scotland, before Wednesday’s return match, Shakhter coach Viktor Kumykov suggested the ritual could be repeated.
European soccer’s governing body says it informed Shakhter that animal slaughter is “not acceptable in or around our competitions.” UEFA says the Kazakh club would face sanctions if it happens again.
Shakhter is the lowest-ranked team remaining in the Champions League. It is aiming to reach the 32-team group stage for the first time.