The tie of the Europa League of Arsenal in Kiev aroused by security concerns

UEFA has announced that the clashes between Arsenal and Vorskla in the Europa League would take place Thursday in Kiev, due to security concerns.

The Group E match was to take place at Stadion Vorskla im. Olexiy Butovskiy in Poltava, about 300 km east of the Ukrainian capital.

However, after the announcement of martial law in some parts of the country, the UEFA emergency committee announced that the match would be held at the Olimpiyskiy Stadium in Kiev.

The governing body of European football said in a statement: "The UEFA Emergency Committee today decided to transfer the match of the UEFA Europa League group stage of FC Vorskla against Arsenal FC of Poltava, following the introduction of martial law in certain regions of Ukraine.

"The match will now be held at the Olimpiyskiy stadium in Kyiv on Thursday 29 November at 18:55 (1755GMT).

"UEFA will continue to monitor and badess the security situation in Ukraine in the coming days before making any decision as to the possibility of moving other matches."

The Olympic Stadium in Kiev hosted the final of the 2018 UEFA Champions League in May, as well as the final of Euro 2012.

The Ukrainian president has called for the introduction of martial law in the country due to escalating tensions with Russia, whose coast guards are accused of seizing three Ukrainian ships in Crimea on Sunday.

Up to 500 Arsenal fans had to go to the match in Poltava and now have to make other arrangements.

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office said on its website: "Ukraine imposes martial law in parts of the country from 28 November to 27 December; increased security presence is likely in these areas; you must remain vigilant and follow the advice of local authorities. "

The FCO has created a special section on Arsenal on its website to keep its supporters informed of potential developments.

He stressed that, even if the trip should go smoothly, supporters should "be aware of the current political situation".

Arsenal already qualifies for the last 32 meetings of the Europa League and will win the group with a victory over a team beaten 4-2 in London in September.