Crystal Palace must overcome AEK Larnaca across two legs in order to reach the UEFA Conference League quarter-finals.
The team from Cyprus have already defeated the Eagles earlier this season in the league phase of the competition, winning 1-0 at Selhurst Park following a costly mistake from Jaydee Canvot, who has since improved drastically in fairness.
However, the chances of AEK Larnaca repeating the feat against Crystal Palace in the round of 16 may have now taken a significant dent amid huge upheaval within the Cypriot First Division outfit.
AEK Larnaca part ways with Imanol Idiakez as manager as Technical Director Xavi Roca resigns
After a 1-1 draw against Olympiakos Nicosia on Sunday, AEK Larnaca fans saw Xavi Roca leave his role as Technical Director, with a club statement claiming the Spaniard “insisted” on his resignation following the result.
24 hours later, AEK Larnaca announced “the completion of its collaboration” with Imanol Idiakez as manager, while Inigo Idiakez – his brother and assistant – would also be leaving.
Another statement was then issued on the same day (Wednesday 4th March) to reveal that the “Board of Directors of AEK Larnaca Club and the Board of Directors of AEK LARNACA FC LTD” have “collectively assumed responsibility for managing the affairs of the club” after the departures of these key figures.
Such significant upheaval is sure to have unsettled the playing staff ahead of the UEFA Conference League round of 16 clashes against Crystal Palace – who made over half a million pounds in prize money after the round of 32 win – so Oliver Glasner may feel he now has a better chance of progressing into the last eight.
UEFA issue update on status of AEK Larnaca vs Crystal Palace
The status of the second leg in Larnaca on March 19th was plunged into doubt after a drone hit an RAF base in Akrotiri in Cyprus, amid conflict in the Middle East.
It led many to question whether the game would need to be relocated, but UEFA have since confirmed that all knockout games are currently set to go ahead as scheduled.
An official statement from UEFA said: “UEFA is closely monitoring the situation and is in touch with participating teams and local authorities where necessary.
“All matches due to take place in Europe in the upcoming weeks are currently planned to be played as scheduled.”
