SOCCER - BL, Sturm vs RBS GRAZ,AUSTRIA,06.OCT.24 - SOCCER - ADMIRAL Bundesliga, SK Sturm Graz vs Red Bull Salzburg. Image shows Amar Dedic RBS. PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxAUTxSUIxSWE GEPAxpictures/xChrisxBauer
Hearts are set to learn their Champions League second qualifying round opponents on Wednesday, with Sturm Graz or Fenerbahce awaiting the Scottish club.
Sturm Graz have confirmed their Liebenau Stadium will be ready in time to host the second qualifying round fixture, ending uncertainty over the venue.
The Austrian club had been undergoing significant renovation works at their ground, with the refurbishment originally not scheduled for completion until the end of next month.
That timeline had raised serious doubts about whether the Liebenau Stadium could be used for the European qualifying matches at all.
Sturm had identified the Worthersee Stadion in Klagenfurt, some 83 miles south of Graz, as a potential alternative venue for the tie.
However, upgrades to floodlights and electrical cables are now expected to be completed in time for the second qualifying round fixtures on July 21st and 22nd.
The 16,364-capacity stadium will therefore be available for the Black and Whites to host their European home match in front of their own supporters.
Managing director Thomas Tebbich expressed his delight at the news, highlighting the importance of playing at home in European competition.
Tebbich said: “We are delighted to be able to host the second round of the UEFA Champions League qualifiers in Liebenau.”
He added: “Everyone knows the incredible energy our fans can generate in this stadium, especially on European nights.”
Tebbich also paid tribute to those who made the turnaround possible, saying: “A huge thank you goes to the stadium management, with whom we are in constant communication and who have done everything possible to ensure that the necessary work is completed on time so that we can play our qualifying matches in Graz.”
A club statement confirmed: “SK Sturm Graz can play its home games in the second round of the UEFA Champions League qualification at the Graz-Liebenau Stadium.”
The statement continued: “The ongoing renovations to the floodlights and cable infrastructure at the Graz-Liebenau stadium will be completed in time for the start of the second qualifying round on July 21st/22nd.”
Hearts, who will discover their opponents in Wednesday’s draw, could alternatively face Turkish giants Fenerbahce if Sturm Graz are drawn elsewhere in the bracket.
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