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Kairat Almaty faces setback in Champions League due to concert venue issue

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 12, 2026, 12:30 PM

Last updated Aug 12, 2026

Kairat Almaty faces setback in Champions League due to concert venue issue

Summary

Kairat Almaty has been eliminated from Champions League qualification after losing to Levski Sofia in a second leg match. The game, originally scheduled at Kairat's home stadium, was moved to the Turkestan Arena, over 500 miles away, due to a Kanye West concert. Kairat Traveled to Bulgaria for the first leg but could not overcome a 1-0 deficit in the return match. They will now refocus on the Kazakhstan Premier League, where they currently sit in second place, four points off the lead with a game in hand.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

Status Watch

•Kairat Almaty loses 1-0 to Levski Sofia in second leg.
•Match moved to Turkestan Arena due to concert.
•Kairat entered match needing to overturn 1-0 deficit.
•Team ranks second in Kazakhstan Premier League.
•They are four points off first place with a game in hand.

Latest Updates

12:30 PMYahoo Sports — How a Kanye West concert cost European football team Champions League qualification chances

What they're saying

"
A Kanye West concert has had a surprising impact on one football team that was trying to secure qualification for this season’s Champions League. While the proper tournament does not kick off until later this year, qualification for the league phase is already underway.
— Yahoo Sports

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Champions League Soccer