SPARTAK MOSCOW are set to be removed from the Europa League last 16, according to a report.

Sky Sports claim the Russian club will be kicked out of the European competition after Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

The broadcaster reports - while no official decision has been confirmed - that Spartak will be stripped of the spot in the last 16 and their matches against RB Leipzig cancelled.

The Russian side had progressed to the last 16 after topping Group C in the competition. They were then drawn against Bundesliga side RB Leipzig.

However, it's claimed the match will not go ahead with discussions instead taking place over whether Leipzig will receive a bye to the quarter-finals or face another team in the last 16.

RB Leipzig CEO Oliver Mintzlaff has revealed his expectation that the scheduled matches against Spartak Moscow will be cancelled.

As quoted by Sky Sports, he said: "We continue to be in close contact with the associations and have complete confidence in UEFA and their decision.

"We assume the games will be cancelled."

Rangers take on Serbian side Red Star Belgrade in the last 16 of the Europa League - with fixtures scheduled for March 10 and March 17.

But the news that Spartak Moscow could be ousted from the competition may mean another potential opponent should Rangers progress to the quarter-finals.

Alternatively, should a bye be granted to RB Leipzig then Rangers will already know one possible opponent should they make it to the next round.

The Scottish FA today confirmed no matches will be played against Russian opposition as president Rod Petrie sent a "message of support, friendship and unity" to Ukraine.

A statement read: The Scottish FA President, Rod Petrie, has written to his counterpart at the Ukrainian Association of Football to send a message of support, friendship, and unity.

"Football is inconsequential amid conflict but we have conveyed the strong sense of solidarity communicated to us by Scotland fans and citizens in recent days.

"We remain in dialogue with UEFA and FIFA regarding our men's FIFA World Cup play-off and women's World Cup qualifier and have offered to support our Ukrainian colleagues' preparations as best we can in these unimaginably difficult circumstances.

"Should the current circumstances continue, we will not sanction the nomination of a team to participate in our scheduled UEFA Regions Cup fixture against Russia, due to be played in August.

"This will remain our position should any other fixtures arise at any level of international football."