There is tension between Moldova, a former Soviet state, and Russia and that has affected the match between Sheriff Tiraspol and Partizan Belgrade.
The Conference League play-off first leg on Thursday was moved from Tiraspol to Chisinau due to Tiraspol's proximity to Russia and now the Moldovan FA have confirmed that the game will take place behind closed doors.
The organisation received a letter from the Security and Intelligence Service of Moldova which said there was a real threat to the statehood of Moldova and that the game should be played behind closed doors.
Reports suggested that Russian citizens were going to dress as Partizan Belgrade fans and fly to Chisinau to try and pull off a Coup d'Etat.
'Express' reports that a group of Partizan fans travelled to Moldova and were deported just after arriving. In fact, the police said those 'Partizan' fans had no reason to be there.
February 14, 2023