UEFA sets date for FC Sion’s Europa League appeal

NYON, Switzerland (AP)—UEFA says it will hear Swiss club FC Sion’s appeal on Tuesday against being expelled from the Europa League for fielding ineligible players in a playoff against Celtic.

UEFA says its appeals panel should give a verdict the same day—just 48 hours before Celtic is scheduled to kick off the competition away to Atletico Madrid.

Sion chairman Christian Constantin has already promised a challenge at the Court of Arbitration for Sport if, as he expects, UEFA dismisses the appeal.

UEFA’s disciplinary body reinstated Celtic last week by awarding the Scottish club 3-0 wins in both legs of last month’s playoff.

Sion won 3-1 on aggregate, but used five players it signed in the offseason in breach of a FIFA transfer ban.