Slovakia has found a replacement for Urartu's potential rival

The Slovak professional league has voted for FC Košice to take the place of DAC Dunajská Streda, which was excluded from European competitions. However, the final decision rests with UEFA, as Dunajská Streda’s appeal is currently being reviewed by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne.

As a reminder, Armenian side Urartu is set to face Dunajská Streda in the second round of the UEFA Conference League, provided they defeat Belarusian club Neman. If the appeal is rejected, the winner of the Urartu vs. Neman tie will automatically advance to the third qualifying round.

Dunajská Streda was disqualified due to a conflict of interest: the club shares an owner with Hungarian side Győr, which may face Pyunik in the second round. UEFA made the decision after the draw, so a replacement was not initially planned.

Irish side Drogheda United, who are joint owners with Danish club Silkeborg, have already been excluded this season. Silkeborg ultimately remained in the Conference League and Drogheda's appeal was rejected.

It is highly unlikely that UEFA will allow Košice to replace Dunajská Streda, but such talks are ongoing.