Why is the game in Azerbaijan?published at 17:11 British Summer Time 3 October 2024
Dinamo Minsk v Hearts (17:45)
You're probably thinking Minsk isn't in Azerbaijan. You're right.
Uefa decided in March 2022 that Belarusian teams would have to play at a neutral venue with no fans present, due to the country's support for Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Minsk's other European 'home' games this season have been played in northern Hungary, but they need a category four stadium for the league phase.
They played a qualifier in Baku last term, but Hearts will play in the Mehdi Huseynzade Stadium in Sumqayit, 45 minutes north of the Azerbaijani capital.
It has a capacity of 10,000 but will be eerily quiet on Thursday.
Dinamo manager Vadim Skripchenko said the club also chose the venue because they can get a direct flight from Minsk, as Azerbaijan is "friendly" to Belarus.