CEDB: Villarreal CF v Qarabağ FK

Following several players of Qarabağ FK having been tested positive for COVID-19 prior to their arrival in Spain in accordance with the UEFA Return to Play Protocol, the club did not have the necessary minimum amount of players available to play the match, with the consequence that the match scheduled for 10 December 2020 could not be played.

The matter was submitted to the UEFA Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body for a decision to be taken in accordance with Annex J.2.1. of the UEFA Europa League Regulations. Based on the Article 29(2)(a) of the UEFA Disciplinary Regulations and given the urgent circumstances of the matter, the Chairman of the Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body took the following decision as judge sitting alone:

- to declare the 2020/21 UEFA Europa League group stage match between Villarreal CF and Qarabağ FK, that was originally scheduled to be played on 10 December 2020, as forfeited by Qarabağ FK (who is therefore deemed to have lost the match 3-0) for being responsible for the match not taking place (as provided for in Annex J.2.1 to the Regulations of the UEFA Europa League 2020/21 establishing special rules applicable to the group stage of the competition due to COVID-19).