No reprieve for United

MANCHESTER UNITED’S feint hopes of landing a Champions League place ended yesterday after the Swiss FA docked Sion 36 points for fielding ineligible players.

The announcement — subject to ratification from FIFA — means FC Basel will remain in the Champions League and ends any hope of a reprieve for United, who finished third in their group behind the Swiss side.

The SFV were threatened with expulsion from all competitions by world football’s governing body if they failed to punish Sion, who were kicked out of the Europa League by UEFA earlier this season after fielding players signed during a transfer embargo.