UEFA move may allow extra Irish team into Europa League

The FAI has welcomed the latest UEFA Respect Fair Play Rankings, which open the possibility of the League of Ireland earning an additional place in next season’s Europa League.

The figures show that the Republic of Ireland is in fifth place in the UEFA Respect Fair Plan Rankings, .01 points behind third-placed England.

With the top three countries set to be rewarded with an additional Europa League place, the League of Ireland is within striking distance of claiming an extra European qualification spot.

The final rankings, which are based on club and national team performances until April 30, will not be released until May.

The rankings are based on criteria such as positive play, respect for the opponent, respect for the referee, behaviour of the crowd and team officials, as well as cautions and dismissals.

While Sweden, Denmark and England currently occupy the top three places, both Finland and Ireland remain in strong contention for a top three finish.

Should Ireland be rewarded with an additional Europa League placing, this would bring to five the number of League of Ireland clubs competing in European competition next season.

Remarkably, this would mean half of the League of Ireland Premier Division clubs could be competing in Europe.

The additional place would be awarded on the basis of the League of Ireland’s Fair Play table.

Bohemians finished top of the Fair Play table, with Shamrock Rovers in second place.

As both of these clubs have already qualified for European competition next season, the additional place would go to either Drogheda United or Galway United, who finished in joint third position in the League of Ireland Fair Play table.

Should the League of Ireland be awarded an additional place in the Europa League, a draw would take place to determine whether Drogheda United or Galway United take that place.

The Respect Fair Play Rankings 2009/10 are based on fair play results obtained at all UEFA competition matches played, both club and national team level, between May 1, 2009 and April 30, 2010.