Uefa ponders third club competition

[Straightstory]

It may drive up revenues, but playing teams from Malta and Estonia, and never getting a crack at teams from England, Italy or Spain is never going to attract the 'wider Irish sporting public' and raise the profile of the league. Another question: How does a team get from laying in EL 2 to the Europa League? (which we should probably now call El 1 or The Premier Europa League or something...)

[nigel-harps1954]

I see where you're coming from there Nesta, but there's one obvious flaw to your statement, Finn Harps wouldn't blow that Champions League spot.

[seand]

I for one am looking to Ollie Horgan talking down Harps' chances against Real Madrid

[sparky12345678]

It may drive up revenues, but playing teams from Malta and Estonia, and never getting a crack at teams from England, Italy or Spain is never going to attract the 'wider Irish sporting public' and raise the profile of the league. Another question: How does a team get from laying in EL 2 to the Europa League? (which we should probably now call El 1 or The Premier Europa League or something...)

It would seem that there are only 2 options to compete in the EL unless you're in the top 15 associations (ie Croatia (see Dinamo Zagreb this year) and downwards). Lose Champions League route, get to EL group stage... Or win the EL II and qualify for EL group stage...