ian1964 10,668 Posted March 15, 2010 Share Posted March 15, 2010 The possibility of the first Scottish Cup final between Celtic and Rangers since 2002 will come as a boost to the contenders for the Europa League qualification slots on offer in this season�s Scottish Premier League. Should the two contend the final on May 15, the team finishing in fifth place in this season�s league table will benefit. The SPL puts forward four of Scotland�s five European participants for the 2010/11 season, with the fifth and final place going to the winners, or defeated finalists, of the Scottish Cup competition. The prospect of an Old Firm final will mean that, given the two are on course to qualify for next season�s Champions League, the Scottish Cup will not be able to put forward any teams for inclusion in the Europa League. That means an extra place for the SPL and, with the teams already placed in third and fourth set to earn slots in the European competition, this season�s fifth placed side will also earn entry into the 162-team Europa League. As it stands, the qualification slot given from the Scottish Cup catapults the recipients ahead of the SPL teams in the qualifying stages. That means that, if either Ross County or Raith Rovers win through to a final with either of the Glasgow teams, they will enter the Europa League at the play-off round, one round later than the league teams, who come in at the third qualifying stage. Dundee United, Hibernian and Motherwell are all fighting it out for the guaranteed European slots, with Peter Houston and Craig Brown�s teams locked on 48 points, with John Hughes� Hibs one behind with two games in hand. Hearts are the nearest contenders to that pack, sitting 10 points off the pace in fifth place with nine games left to play. A Dundee United v Hibernian final is also in the offing and, should they finish in third and fourth position in the SPL, the fifth placed team will again benefit. http://sport.stv.tv/football/scottish-cup/163674-fifth-placed-spl-team-in-line-for-europa-league-benefit-from-old-firm-scottish-cup-final/ 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr Preston Burke 0 Posted March 15, 2010 Share Posted March 15, 2010 Ross County or Raith Rovers getting into Europe would be another nail in the coefficient's coffin 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Whosthedado 1,625 Posted March 15, 2010 Share Posted March 15, 2010 Totally agree. The likes of Gretna Queens etc getting into Europe has not been a good thing. At present the less teams we have the better imo. 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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