Feyenoord thrown out of UEFA Cup

OFFICIALS are set to decide whether Tottenham will be given a bye into the last 16 of the UEFA Cup after Feyenoord were kicked out of the tournament following crowd trouble earlier in the season.

Spurs were set to face the Dutch side in Rotterdam on February 15 but could now either be given a bye or possibly face Wisla Krakow, who finished behind Feyenoord in the group stages.

UEFA have hinted at Spurs being given a passage into the last 16 but a spokesman said: “We have not decided what will happen with Tottenham.”

A bye into the last 16 would mean a loss of revenue from gate receipts and television money for Spurs from their home leg at White Hart Lane, although they will be closer to ending their eight-year wait for a trophy.

It would also give Martin Jol’s men more recovery time in their busy schedule, with the club challenging in three cups and pushing for a European place in the Premiership.

A Spurs spokesman said: “The club is consulting with UEFA to determine what will happen next.”

Feyenoord, meanwhile, are considering an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. “We can appeal to the CAS in Lausanne,” said club director Onno Jacobs. “We will look at the verdict and arguments very closely and then we will decide.”

The club were initially given a suspended two-match stadium ban by UEFA’s independent disciplinary tribunal after rioting caused their clash against French side Nancy to be held up by 30 minutes.

However, UEFA appealed as they felt the punishment was not harsh enough. The UEFA Appeals Board then decided to exclude Feyenoord.

Dutchman Jol had been looking forward to the tie.

“It could have been worse and it could have been better, but I am looking forward to going to Rotterdam,” said Jol after the draw.