Pompey's Europa League Appeal Rejected

Source SSN

Portsmouth have seen their hopes of playing in Europe next season blocked by the Football Association and Premier League.

Cash-strapped Pompey would have qualified for the Europa League next term having reached the FA Cup final against Chelsea, with the West London side set to play in the UEFA Champions League.
The South Coast outfit missed the deadline to apply for a Uefa club licence, but the club's administrator indicated they would appeal to be awarded authorisation to allow them to play in Europe.

However, the Fratton Park side have been told that any late application for a licence will not be considered due to their ongoing financial problems, with the 2008 FA Cup winners a staggering £120million in debt.

A joint statement from the FA and Premier League said: "The FA and Premier League have confirmed to the administrators of PortsmouthFootball 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 finish seventh in the Premier League - currently Liverpool - would play in the Europa League instead.

Administrator Andrew Andronikou has admitted his surprise at hearing of the decision second hand.

"I've had no communication from the Premier League or Football Association about this," he informed Sky Sports News.

"I've only been able to verify it by logging onto the Premier League's website and seeing it on Sky Sports News.

"As far as I was aware my lawyers were told last week, by the Premier League and FA, to make a formal application as soon as possible.

"We are extremely surprised to read their decision."

Guess the top seven will be in European competitions next year.
So we will be in the Europa League

Shame that the only real loser's are the players & fans.

£120million in debt. For a club with their turnover thats frightening.
FA should be held accountable for some of this. How on earth did they have so many owners that took money out of the club. Now for the race to 7th

Harry redknapp has got some questions to answer.

So we will be in the Europa League

Wouldn't count your chickens too early mate.

I'd like to think we will be but you never know. We might just win it anyway.

Feel a bit sorry for the fans if they win the FA Cup. But let's be honest:

1. They probably won't win the FA Cup
2. They'd get mullered in Europe

Good for us though!

Bit of a contradiction by the FA. Arsenal, Liverpool and ManU should be banished then.

Anyway, i reckon it's so they don't go through the embarrassment of having a Championship club in Europe.

Anyway, I reckon it's so they don't go through the embarrassment of having a Championship club in Europe.

Millwall?

Precisely, CRK.

Id guess they'd rather have LFC, City or Villa  go instead of Pompey...

Oh well, good for us