BATE Could Face a Home-Venue Problem if Drawn Against Noah

Belarusian club BATE, a potential opponent for Noah in the third qualifying round of the UEFA Conference League, drew 1–1 with Swiss side Sion in the first leg of their second-round tie.

However, the situation surrounding BATE’s home venue is particularly noteworthy. The Belarusian club plays its European home matches in Sumgait, Azerbaijan. For this reason, Armenian defender Hayk Musakhanyan does not feature in the team’s home fixtures.

Should both BATE and Noah advance from the second qualifying round, the Belarusian club will most likely have to find an alternative venue for its home match. Noah is highly unlikely to agree to travel to Azerbaijan for a European fixture, meaning that a potential change of venue could create additional organizational difficulties for BATE.

Noah also drew 1–1 in its first-leg away match against Moldovan side Zimbru. The Armenian club remains the favorite to advance ahead of the return leg in Armenia.

BATE, meanwhile, will play the second leg against Sion in Switzerland. The Belarusian side faces a difficult task, although it still has a chance of progressing to the next round.