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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
Ewan Paton

Hearts & Hibs Europa Conference League play-off dates confirmed

The dates for Hearts & Hibernian's Europa Conference League play-off matches have been confirmed.

The Jambos will take on PAOK in the next round of qualifying, while Hibs have the unenviable task of facing Aston Villa.

Hearts will host Greek side PAOK next week on Thursday, August 24. 

And as Hibs were due to play at home on the same date, their game against Premier League side Villa has been brought forward by 24 hours.

Furthermore, as well as the first leg tie being played on Wednesday, August 23, it will kick-off at 5.45pm due to Champions League qualifiers being held on the same date.

The second leg for the Easter Road side will take place at Villa Park on Thursday, August 31. It will kick off at 8pm. 

For Hearts, their second leg will be held in Greece on the same date.

A Hibs statement reads: "Hibernian FC will face English Premier League side Aston Villa in the UEFA Europa Conference League Play-Offs.

"The details for the matches have been confirmed, with the Hibees taking on Villa at Easter Road in the first-leg. The game at Easter Road will take place on Wednesday 23 August, 2023 and kick-off at 5.45pm.

"The game will take place on the Wednesday due to Hearts’ progression into the same round of the competition.

"When two sides from the same city both progress – and have both been drawn at home in the first leg – UEFA use last season’s league table to decide who plays on the Thursday.

"The match is also taking place at 5.45pm as UEFA do not allow UEFA Europa Conference League games to take place at the same time as UEFA Champions League games. 5.45pm was the latest kick-off time the Club could attain following UEFA regulations.

"The second leg at Villa Park will take place a week later on Thursday 31 August, 2023 and kick-off at 8pm."

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