Everton FC to face play-off for entry into UEFA Europa League

Everton must contest a two-legged play-off round to reach the new Europa League, with ties played on August 20 and 27.

There were suggestions that Everton might be accelerated straight into the group stages of the competition because last season’s UEFA Cup winners, Shakhtar Donetsk, will not defend their title because they have qualified for next season’s Champions League.

But Everton secretary, David Harrison, confirmed yesterday that the Goodison club have been informed they will play in the play-off round.

Seventh-placed Fulham, who claimed the final English place, must get through a qualifying round in order to reach the play-off stage.

The new-look league will have 48 clubs in 12 groups of four, with the top two in each joining the eight third-placed clubs from the Champions League in a 32-club knock-out stage.

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