LASK Linz's pursuit of a first Austrian top-flight title in over 50 years has been dealt a hefty blow after they were knocked off top spot by a points deduction.
Manchester United's Europa League round of 16 opponents have been docked six points and fined €75,000 (£67,871) after allegedly breaking rules regarding holding team sessions during the coronavirus shutdown when only smaller-group training was permitted.
The club apologised at the time and said they felt it was safe to hold team sessions as the entire squad had repeatedly tested negative for the virus.
Linz were handed a 12-point deduction, but all teams' points tallies are halved at the end of the regular season when they are split into two groups of six, with the top six playing for the title and the remainder to avoid relegation.
As a result, Linz's deduction was reduced to six.
Such a punishment - which the club intend to appeal - means they go from holding a three-point lead at the summit of the Austrian Bundesliga to falling three points behind reigning champions Red Bull Salzburg.
The league is due to resume following a two-month delay owing to the Covid-19 pandemic on June 2, with Linz set to face TSV Prolactal Hartberg.
Valerien Ismael's side also still have to play the second leg of their Europa League tie against Manchester United, having been thrashed 5-0 in the home clash behind closed doors in March.
Additional reporting by Reuters.
