• Home
  • /
  • Football
  • /
  • St. Pat's Contact FAI Objecting To Waterford's Europa League Place

St. Pat's Contact FAI Objecting To Waterford's Europa League Place

15 March 2019; Scott Twine of Waterford FC in action against Jamie Lennon of St Patrick's Athletic during the SSE Airtricity League Premier Division match between Waterford and St Patrick's Athletic at the RSC in Waterford. Photo by Matt Browne/Sportsfile
Gary Connaughton
By Gary Connaughton
Share this article

St Patrick's Athletic have contacted the FAI to object to Waterford United being granted a place in the Europa League qualifiers, which are starting this summer. The Dublin club believe that Waterford should not be allowed to enter the competition under current UEFA legislation.

Waterford finished fourth in last season's SSE Airtricity Premier Division, securing a place in Europe's second tier club competition as a result. St Pat's finished one spot further back in fifth place.

Recommended

However, St Pat's believe that Waterford do not meet the criteria required to enter the competition and have contacted the FAI regarding the matter. The FAI released a short statement this evening regarding the matter:

The Football Association of Ireland can confirm that it is in receipt of a letter from St Patrick's Athletic in relation to UEFA Club Licensing and is looking into the matter.

It is believed their complaint is in relation to a UEFA rule which states that a club must be in existence for three consecutive years before being allowed to enter UEFA competitions. Waterford were taken under new ownership in 2017 and rebranded as 'Waterford United'.

St Pat's believe this constitutes a new club, making them ineligible for the competition. As they finished one place below Waterford last season, they would take their place in the Europa League qualifiers.

There is some precedent for such a ruling, with Bohemians replacing Derry City in the Europa League in 2012 for this very reason.

Advertisement

SEE ALSO: Matching Game Of Thrones Characters To Their Manager Spirit Animals

Head over to Carlsberg's socials to check out the #CarlsbergSavesChristmas giveaways, where you could win some incredible prizes throughout the festive season!: https://www.instagram.com/CarlsbergIreland

Join The Monday Club Have a tip or something brilliant you wanted to share on? We're looking for loyal Balls readers free-to-join members club where top tipsters can win prizes and Balls merchandise

Processing your request...

You are now subscribed!

Share this article

Copyright © 2024. All rights reserved. Developed by Square1 and powered by PublisherPlus.com

Advertisement