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Author: Sheridan
Date: 29-08-2003, 15:13

Forgive me if this topic has come up before. I'm just wondering if the distribution of a national association's allocated European places is entirely the responsibility of that association? A specific example; could the Football Association of Ireland decide to award its second UEFA Cup spot to the team finishing third in the Premier Division, rather than the domestic cup winners? The cup winners would then take the Intertoto Cup place. How much influence does UEFA have over this kind of action?

Author: rod_c
Date: 29-08-2003, 16:14

I'm not sure of the definate answer - but I seem to remember England asking UEFA to allow them to keep the UEFA place for the winners of their League cup instead of making it a runner up in the EPL (possibly something to do with the sponsors?) - that would indicate that it's UEFA that decides, but I know FA's can decide not to nominate a team for Europe, so there might be some leeway.

I think the arrangement was only temporary, do the winners of the League Cup get into Europe now?

Author: bert.kassies
Date: 29-08-2003, 20:26

Clubs are entered by the national associations according to the UEFA rules. And these rules prescribe which teams can be entered. In special circumstances other teams may be entered in the UEFA Cup instead of a team based on league position (e.g. league cup winners of England and France). Provided this has been approved by UEFA before the start of the season. There are many rules, including forms and fees, etc. If something is not according to these rules the UEFA administration may declare the entry invalid and thereby excluding participation.

Author: Sheridan
Date: 30-08-2003, 01:02

Many thanks for the helpful response, Bert, I knew I could count on you.

Incidentally, the reason I ask is that, since the abolition of the Cup Winners Cup, Ireland's domestic cup winners have generally been humiliated in the UEFA Cup, while the third-placed club has done relatively well in the Intertoto. Swapping the places would not only increase the chances of an Irish team making inroads in Europe, but would also prevent the weaker team (relegated to the Intertoto cup) from damaging the coefficient.

Many thanks again for the reply.