Uefa faces political flashpoint over Sevastopol’s ascent in Russian football

Promotion to third tier for Crimean club would be clear violation of governing body’s rules amid conflict in Ukraine

Uefa and Fifa face a decisive test of their appetite to punish Russia’s integration of teams from illegally occupied Ukrainian territory after FC Sevastopol, from Crimea, won promotion to the country’s professional third tier.

Sevastopol were declared champions of group one in Football National League (FNL) 2B, in effect Russia’s fourth division, last month and are believed to have applied for a licence to compete at the level above. Should it be granted and they proceed to FNL 2A, it would appear a violation of Uefa rules that prohibit Crimean clubs from playing in competitions organised by the Russian Football Union (RFU).