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Champions League club 'knocked out because of Kanye West' to end odd saga One club's hopes of reaching the Champions League main draw were dealt an unusual blow. One club have been knocked out of Champions League qualifying after being forced to move their match because of Kanye West. Kairat Almaty qualified for the league phase of the Champions League last season, beating Celtic in the final qualifier to become the first team from Kazakhstan in the main draw. They were looking to repeat the achievement this season, but their hopes were dashed by a 2-0 aggregate defeat to Bulgarian outfit Levski Sofia. Kairat had only trailed by one goal heading into the second leg, but the Kazakh side were at a disadvantage heading into the contest, given their designated home leg was being played over 500 miles from Almaty. That's because their home stadium, Almaty Central Stadium, has been booked by rapper Kanye for one of his comeback shows. Kairat’s progression in the qualifiers meant a change in venue was necessary, or the Kazakh side risked being booted out of the Champions League. In the end, a 1-0 defeat on the night meant Kairat were knocked out anyway, with plenty taking to social media to comment on the situation. @bap_cfc wrote on X: “Kairat being eliminated from the UCL qualifiers because of Kanye West is an incredible bit.” @DefNotMarshall commented: “The concept of Kanye West actually performing a concert in Almaty, Kazakhstan is absolutely hilarious.” On the match, @tylersteinberg3 remarked: “I was wondering why they were playing in a different city. It probably did have some negative effect.” @Joon_Kachi asked: “What’s happening to football? Isn’t it unfair that Kairat Almaty can’t play the return leg of their UEFA Champions League qualification match at their stadium simply because Ye, Kanye West has a concert there? Wouldn’t the lack of home advantage affect the team’s performance?” @JBNYSports replied: “Our old friends Kairat have been KO'd from the Champions League. No worries about a trip to Kazakhstan should Celtic advance to the League Phase.” Celtic could still meet them in the Europa League though, should the Scottish side lose their Champions League play-off clash. Kairat will now play either PAOK or Anderlecht for a spot in the Europa League proper.