Portsmouth denied chance to play in Europe

By Andrew Warshaw

April 22 – Portsmouth have been denied permission to play in next season’s Europa League even though they have qualified to do so, it emerged today.

The south-coast club, locked in administration and already relegated, have been told by the Football Association and Premier League that they cannot play in Europe despite reaching the FA Cup final and grabbing the competition’s European spot, with opponents Chelsea already qualified for the Champions League.

Portsmouth’s administrators have been told that any late application for a UEFA club licence will not be considered due to the financial problems.

A joint statement from the FA and Premier League said: “The FA and Premier League have confirmed to the administrators of Portsmouth Football Club that they shall not consider any late application for granting of a UEFA Club Licence for the 2010-11 season.”

The decision means that the team who finishes seventh in the Premier League would play in Europe instead - good news for the Merseyside pair of Liverpool and Everton, as well as the chasing pack.

UEFA had originally said Portsmouth could submit a late application before May 31 but their dire financial situation, with debts total £119 million ($183 million), will now rule that out.

Portsmouth’s administrator Andrew Andronikou had been confident that he could make a case for the club to be given a licence – despite UEFA’s growing concern with financial instability.

He said the ruling was unfair on Pompey fans.

“It’s wrong for the fans that they should not be allowed to support their club in Europe next season,” Andronikou said.

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