Soccer-UEFA appeals body confirms Partizan expulsion

BERNE, Switzerland, Aug 7 (Reuters) UEFA's appeals body has confirmed the expulsion of Partizan Belgrade from this year's UEFA Cup competition following rioting by the club's supporters.

The Serbian side were thrown out of the competition last month after 36 people were injured during Partizan's first qualifying round first-leg match against Bosnian side Zrinjski Mostar.

Partizan were granted a temporary deferral of the punishment pending their appeal against the verdict and went on to win the tie 11-1 on aggregate.

Today's decision means Zrinjski will now take Partizan's place in the second qualifying round against Macedonian side FK Rabotnicki.

REUTERS AE VC2219