Floriana face exclusion from Euro competitions

Floriana's eligibility to participate in UEFA Club competitions next season is under serious threat after it emerged that they missed the deadline to apply for a playing licence.

The Times has learnt that Floriana lodged their application a day late as club secretary Dione Borg was unwell. As their application was turned down by the Licensing Board, Floriana took their case to the Appeals' Board but their bid was unsuccessful.

Floriana wrote another letter to the Appeals' Board and MFA general secretary, asking them to reconsider their plea on the grounds that they were in a position to present fresh evidence to strengthen their claim that Borg was unable to submit the application by the stipulated date.

The Appeals' Board recommended that Floriana's request be heard by the Malta FA Council which convened at the Centenary Hall on Tuesday evening.

Sources have told The Times that Floriana's letter was read to council members by Joe Mifsud, the president of the Malta FA. He mentioned the repercussions the association could face if it failed to abide by UEFA regulations governing the licensing of member clubs.

A public vote was held to decide whether Floriana's request be referred back to the Appeals' Board but the proposal was defeated, the president using his casting vote after an 11-11 outcome. Council members twice had to indicate their decision, by show of hands, after a counting error following the first vote.

The Floriana committee were due to meet yesterday evening to discuss the outcome of Tuesday's vote and decide the next course of action.

The Greens have high hopes of earning qualification to the UEFA Cup or the Intertoto Cup at the end of the season.

Besides being in the last four of the FA Trophy, Floriana are fifth in the Premier League but their chances of earning a spot in the Intertoto Cup are boosted by the fact that Sliema Wanderers and Hamrun Spartans have not applied to take part in the summer competition.