RANGERS Europa League opponents FC Ufa will discover tomorrow if they have to CONCEDE Thursday’s tie as they sweat over British visas. But Gers boss Steven Gerrard insists he wants to see the game go ahead at a “rocking” Ibrox. Willie Vass Rangers boss Steven Gerrard celebrates Betfred Cup victory at full-time[/caption] Gerrard – whose side beat Kilmarnock 3-1 in the Betfred Cup – said: “That’s not my problem. “I heard about it just before the game so we’ll have to see how it pans out. “I hope they get their visas, I hope they come. “We’re in a good place, we’re looking forward to the challenge and we want Ibrox rocking again for a great European night. “We’ll see what happens. I hope the issue gets resolved because I can’t wait to walk out at Ibrox with it bouncing and ready for another performance. Let’s get it on.” The issue has arisen because the club from the republic of Bashkortostan are struggling to get visas due to the quick turnaround following their win over Luxembourg side Progres Niederkorn on Thursday. They are now applying for their group application to be fast-tracked – but their president Shamil Gazizov has revealed he’s far from certain they’ll be able to travel to Glasgow. Willie Vass Rangers produced a 0-0 draw with Maribor to set up play-off round tie with FC Ufa[/caption] He said: “We’re actively engaged in trying to obtain British visas. But everyone must understand this is a very difficult and challenging situation.” Ufa face Dynamo Moscow in the Russian capital on Monday and Gazizov added: “After the Dynamo game, we will go with our prepared documents to the British Embassy. “We hope they are able to accelerate the process, but we will know for certain what is happening on Monday. “We have been told even the accelerated process takes a minimum of five days so that would obviously not be enough time for us.” Recent tensions between the UK and Russia have led to a tightening of visa applications between the countries and the process has been significantly lengthened. FOD FOR THOUGHT Wes Foderingham admits it has been difficult playing second fiddle to Allan McGregor Last week, Russian cyclist Igor Frolov was unable to compete at the European Championships in Glasgow because he didn’t give himself enough time to get a UK visa. And Spartak Moscow were unable to send a youth team to the Milk Cup tournament in Northern Ireland this summer because of new visa restrictions. Spartak were stunned when their visa application couldn’t be completed and their executive director Ekaterina Anisimova said: “We are really disappointed that political questions can interfere with sporting and cultural events. RELATED STORIES FOD FOR THOUGHT Foderingham admits it’s been ‘difficult’ playing second fiddle to McGregor EURO SHOCK FC Ufa may have to FORFEIT Europa League tie with Rangers ROAD TO HAMPDEN Betfred Cup quarter-final draw in full as holders Celtic face St Johnstone Kilmarnock 1 Rangers 3 Morelos bags a hat-trick as Gers book Betfred Cup quarter-final spot 'A BIG HELP’ Graham Dorrans is a big part of my plans insists boss Steven Gerrard CRAZY DAYS Glenn Middleton says life in the first-team under Steven Gerrard has been CRAZY “They have disturbed our player’s development and progress, as well as our goodwill.” A Home Office spokesman responded by stating: “All visa applications are considered on their individual merits. We do not routinely comment on specific cases.” If FC Ufa weren’t granted their visas on time, they would be left with no option but to forfeit the tie and allow Rangers a walkover into the group stages. Keep up to date with ALL the latest news, transfers and goals from Scottish football plus fixtures, results and live match commentary
Source: Scottish Sun, News
Source: Scottish Sun, News
