PAOK captain Andrija Zivkovic ruled out of Europa Conference League playoff second leg

PAOK Thessaloniki will face Brann in Bergen, Norway, on August 27, 2026, in the second leg of their UEFA Conference League playoff tie. Following a 1-1 draw in the first leg at Toumba Stadium, the Greek side is seeking a victory to secure a place in the competition's league phase. This match represents a critical opportunity for PAOK to remain in European competition following their earlier elimination from the Europa League by Anderlecht.

PAOK’s captain, Andrija Zivkovic, remains unavailable for the encounter as UEFA rejected the club's appeal against a two-match ban imposed following his dismissal against Anderlecht. While Zivkovic will travel with the team to support his teammates, he is ineligible to play. Head coach Alessio Lisi has confirmed the team is fully focused on the match, while also hinting at potential future reinforcements like Ognjen Ugresic. The squad arrived in Norway on Wednesday via a charter flight, with several board members, including Agisilaos Toumazatos and Maria Goncharova, accompanying the delegation.