Liverpool cannot play their Champions League tie with RB Leipzig in Germany.
The first leg tie is due to take place on February 16 but a ban on regions affected by Covid-19 variants means the Reds cannot travel to the country.
Earlier this week, Leipzig lodged a request to the German Interior Ministry for the last-16 game to be considered for exemption from the latest legislation.
However the ministry confirmed on Thursday confirmed that the Bundesliga club’s plea for special arrangements failed to meet the new requirements.
“The Corona Protection Order agreed by the federal government last Friday envisions only a few exceptions and no special arrangement for professional athletes,” the ministry said in a statement.
“The federal police has told the RB Leipzig club today that the circumstances of the given case do not meet the requirements for an exemption.”
Leipzig now have 11 days to find a neutral venue for the first leg, with UEFA affording teams until April 2 to complete any ties complicated by Covid-19.
European football’s governing body has earmarked the Puskas Arena in Budapest as a potential contingency venue for Liverpool’s upcoming game.
Other solutions put forward include the ties being played in a one-off fixture or reversing the order, meaning the Anfield leg would be brought forward.
Should the March 10 game be switched to this month, it is likely Leipzig’s travelling party would be required to quarantine upon their return home.