Club who could benefit from rivals' UEFA Conference League ban issue statement

A club have responded with a statement after UEFA confirmed a club has been banned from competing in Europe next season.

Days after Crystal Palace won the Conference League with a 1-0 win over Rayo Vallecano in Leipzig, UEFA moved to suspend Azerbaijani PFK Turan Tovuz from participating in next season's competition.

The team have not played in Europe since the 1994/95 season but they have received a sanction from European football's governing body due to historical match-fixing.

In a statement released, PFK Turan Tovuz said that the ban stems from a disciplinary matter from 2019 where seven players were suspended by the country's football federation (AFFA) for their involvement.

Upon receiving the verdict, the club have said they will take the necessary "legal steps” and intend to appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in a bid to see the ban overturned.

After finishing in the league, they are preparing as normal and will head to Turkey for a training camp this month.

The situation directly impacts other teams in Azerbaijan and Zira could benefit from the decision.

Azerbaijani Premier League side react to rivals being hit with UEFA suspension

According to the club's press secretary Elmar Abdullazad, they are yet to receive any form of communication from either the AFFA or UEFA.

“At the moment, all of Zira’s plans are focused on preparations for the new Azerbaijan Premier League season,” Abdullazade said to İdman.Biz.

“We have not received any official communication. Honestly, we have never experienced a situation where a club participates in European competitions instead of another team. I believe we will receive official notification from AFFA or UEFA first, and only then will it be possible to discuss the matter in more detail.”

Zira stand to benefit if the decision is upheld as they finished fifth in the Azerbaijani Premier League.

Neftchi finished above them in fourth place but have already secured a Conference League spot. Sabah have taken the Champions League spot after winning both the Azerbaijan Premier League title and the Azerbaijan Cup.

Qarabag, who have the most UEFA appearances of any Azerbaijani sides, will participate in the Europa League after coming second - finishing nine points behind winners Sabah.

2026 winners Palace were initially poised to compete in last season's Europa League but were demoted to the Conference League, swapping places with Nottingham Forest after UEFA ruled they had breached multi-club rules.

Because of links to Lyon, the Eagles were not allowed to play in the Europa League.

But it proved to be a blessing in disguise as they went all the way in the Conference League, tasting European glory in Oliver Glasner's final game in charge.