Lithuanian champions FK Kauno Zalgiris are facing an unusual fixture conflict after learning that their stadium has been rented out for a concert by American rapper Pitbull, potentially forcing them to play a historic Champions League qualifier away from home.
On Tuesday night, Zalgiris edged past Kosovan side Drita 3-2 on the night and 4-3 on aggregate to reach the second qualifying round, securing around €1.7 million in prize money – a massive boost for the club. They are due to face Faroese champions KI in the next round, with the first leg in the Faroe Islands on Tuesday and the home leg scheduled for 28 or 29 July.
However, the club's home ground, the Darius and Girėnas Stadium in Kaunas, is already booked for a Pitbull show, leaving the Lithuanian champions scrambling to find a suitable alternative. According to The Guardian, Zalgiris are now likely to play the tie at a neutral venue, possibly even outside Lithuania, unless a last-minute arrangement can be found.
The situation has drawn amusement and frustration in equal measure, with fans and pundits highlighting the bizarre scheduling conflict. The loss of home advantage for a club making a historic appearance in the Champions League qualifiers could be decisive against a KI side determined to cause an upset.
Zalgiris officials have yet to confirm where the match will be played, but the clock is ticking with just over a week until the scheduled date.