FAI confirm UEFA Club Competition Licences for Irish sides
Jessie Stapleton of Shelbourne celebrates scoring against Treaty United at Tolka Park Credit: Peter Fitzpatrick (ETPhotos)
The FAI confirmed on Tuesday morning that all five Irish clubs playing in UEFA European club competitions during the summer have been awarded UEFA licences.
They noted that "following the work undertaken by the independent committee" UEFA licences were awarded to Derry City, Sligo Rovers, St. Patrick’s Athletic - who will play in the UEFA Europa Conference League qualifiers - and Shamrock Rovers and Shelbourne FC who will play in the respective men's and women's Champions League qualifiers.
The men's first and second rounds draws will take place on 14 and 15 June, with the first qualifying round matches set for 5/6 July and 12/13 July for Shamrock Rovers and 7 and 14 July for the other League of Ireland sides in the first round.
The Hoops, unlike last year, will be seeded in the draw. Win the opening round and they will be guarenteed another three rounds of football and a position in the play-off in the Europa Conference League at a minimum.
St. Patrick's Athletic as FAI Cup winners will enter the Europa Conference League in the second qualifying round (matches set for 21 and 28 July), with Derry City and Sligo Rovers starting in the first qualifying round.
Shelbourne will enter the women's Champions League in round one of qualifying. Their draw will take place on 24 June.
About Macdara Ferris
Macdara Ferris is a contributor since 2007 to Hoops Scene (Shamrock Rovers' match day programme) and is the co-author of two books on Shamrock Rovers - 'Tallaght Time: Shamrock Rovers 2009 to 2012' (with Karl … View Full Profile