UEFA has released the interim Fair Play rankings (up to December 31st 2005) – the criteria upon which clubs from member associations may be allocated a place in the 2006/07 UEFA Cup through the Fair Play draw. The Republic of Ireland currently stands in 19th place with a Fair Play points total of 7.944 after our club and international teams have played 35 matches since June 1st 2005.
In order for eircom League Premier Division Fair Play winners UCD to be in with a chance of a place in the UEFA Cup First Qualifying round through the draw, the Republic of Ireland would have to achieve a points total of 8.0 or higher when the Fair Play competition ends on May 31st 2006. At present, 15 member associations have a points total of 8.0 or higher (relevant section of the table reproduced below). There are three places in the UEFA Cup on offer – one automatic place for the Fair Play representative from the Association finishing top of the UEFA Fair Play competition and a further two places are drawn from the remaining associations who achieve a points total of 8.0 or higher.
The competition is based on the Fair Play assessments made by official UEFA delegates at all UEFA competition matches. However, associations are only eligible if their teams (club and international teams) have played at least the average number of matches per association by the close of the competition. At present, that figure is 22 matches (1,155 matches divided by 52 member associations).
Position Country Points to date Matches Played
1 Belgium 8.166 65
2 Sweden 8.127 50
3 Netherlands 8.118 62
4 Latvia 8.114 29
5 Finland 8.111 55
6 Norway 8.087 64
7 Germany 8.074 105
8 Estonia 8.068 26
9 Switzerland 8.057 62
10 Slovenia 8.040 37
11 Russia 8.032 63
12 England 8.023 85
13 Slovakia 8.016 50
14 Faroe Islands 8.016 22
15 France 8.009 101
16 Portugal 7.989 52
17 Denmark 7.972 49
18 Moldova 7.959 31
19 Rep. of Ireland 7.944 35
A further 28 associations have played the requisite number of games (22) but have points totals lower than 7.944 while there are also five associations who, at present, have not played the requisite number of matches.
