The 2026/27 UEFA Champions League campaign began with its qualifying rounds on July 7, as clubs started fighting for places in the expanded 36-team league phase.
The league phase itself begins between September 8 and 10. Each qualifying fixture therefore carries enormous importance for clubs attempting to reach Europe’s biggest competition before the August 27 draw.
However, this season’s qualification process has already produced one particularly bizarre story involving Kanye West.
The American rapper unexpectedly became a major factor surrounding one club’s attempt to reach the Champions League proper.
The team had reached the league phase last season and wanted to repeat that achievement.
However, they entered their latest second leg trailing Levski Sofia 1-0 and then lost a major advantage before the decisive fixture.
According to the Daily Express, Kairat Almaty had to move their designated home match because Kanye West was scheduled to perform a comeback concert at Almaty Central Stadium.
Kairat consequently staged the crucial qualifier more than 500 miles away from their usual home ground.
Their continued progress through the competition had created the scheduling clash, meaning an alternative venue became necessary.
The Kazakh side had enjoyed an impressive Champions League run during the previous campaign.
They defeated Celtic in the final qualifying round to secure their first appearance in the competition’s league phase.
This time, however, their attempt to return ended before the main draw. Kairat suffered another 1-0 defeat against Levski Sofia, completing a 2-0 aggregate loss.
The circumstances surrounding the fixture attracted considerable attention because Kairat were denied their normal home advantage due to Kanye West’s concert.
Their Champions League journey has now ended, but Kairat remain in European competition.
They will move into Europa League qualifying. Kairat will now face either PAOK or Anderlecht for an opportunity to reach the next stage.
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