An Eredivisie side have had their dreams of playing European football dashed due to an odd reason.
Fortuna Sittard currently sit tenth in the Eredivisie, but just two points separate NEC in eighth from Heracles in 14th heading into the league’s final day.
The team that finishes ninth would secure a play-off spot for next season’s UEFA Conference League.
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However, in a bizarre turn of events, Fortuna do not have the needed UEFA licence after failing to apply before the deadline on April 8 and will, as a result, be ineligible for the competition regardless of their league position.
The club explained how, at the time, they “did not meet all the requirements, including submitting an external auditor's statement in accordance with UEFA regulations".
In a statement posted to the club’s website, Fortuna General Manager, Martijn Merks said: “We would have liked to cash in on the sporting achievements on the field with participation in the play-offs."
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He added: “We will fight for a place in the left row until the last day and will be in the Eredivisie for the eighth consecutive year next season. This is the result of hard work and dedication from everyone within the organization — players, staff, employees, supporters and partners.
“It is disappointing that we cannot reward a great sporting season. However, we think it is important to be transparent. We are currently busy preparing for the new Eredivisie season and in the meantime we are continuing to build on the future sustainability of the club.
"We expect to be able to meet the licensing requirements in the new season without any problems.”
It is unclear if the ruling can be overturned. The regular season will conclude this week, before one-legged play-offs will begin before ending with a final on May 25th.
What has UEFA said about the situation?
European footballs governing body haven't made an official comment but several rules are stated on their website, which are below.
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"The licence applicant must provide the licensor with:
- all necessary information and relevant documents to fully demonstrate that the licensing obligations are fulfilled; and
- any other document relevant for decision-making by the licensor.
"This includes information on the reporting entity/entities in respect of which sporting, social and environmental sustainability, infrastructure, personnel and administrative, legal and financial information is required to be provided.
"Any event that occurs after the submission of the licensing documentation to the licensor and represents a significant change to the information previously submitted must be promptly notified to the licensor in writing (including a change of the licence applicant’s legal form, legal group structure including ownership, or identity).
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"If a club qualifies for a UEFA club competition on sporting merit but has not undergone any licensing process at all or has undergone a licensing process which is lesser/not equivalent to the one applicable for top-division clubs to enter the UEFA club competitions, because it belongs to a division other than the top division, the licensor of the club concerned may – on behalf of such a club – request an extraordinary application of the club licensing system.
"Based on such an extraordinary application, UEFA may grant special permission to the club to enter the corresponding UEFA club competition, subject to the relevant UEFA club competition regulations. Such an extraordinary application applies only to the specific club and for the season in question".
Topics: Football, Eredivisie, UEFA, Europa Conference League, Champions League
Luke Alfred Davies