Derry City granted UEFA licence ahead of crunch European meeting

The Candy Stripes would've discovered their Europa League opponents today had European competitions not been derailed by the Covid-19 pandemic.

The UEFA Executive Committee meet tomorrow with the 2020/21 Champions League and Europa League qualifying phase, play-offs and group stage on the agenda.

The formats of both competitions are expected to be adjusted given the restrictions on travelling for some countries while it's been reported UEFA could decide to reduce the qualifiers to single matches at a neutral ground rather than home and away games.

Either way, Derry City boss, Declan Devine is hopeful for a resolution as he attempts to prepare his team for their first European fixture since 2018.

"Hopefully this week we'll also get some news with regards Europe," he said. "Whether it's going to be one leg, two legs or neutral venues home and away.

"So that will be a big thing for us to find out the dates for that and then hopefully the clubs can get some sort of financial package to get football back."

The League of Ireland's three other European qualifiers, meanwhile, have also, as expected, been awarded Uefa licences alongside Women's National League outfit, Peamount United.

A statement from the FAI read: "The Independent Club Licensing Committee of the Football Association of Ireland met on June 15, 2020 and awarded UEFA Licenses to four SSE Airtricity League clubs and one Women’s National League club for the 2020-21 UEFA Club competition season.

"Dundalk will be entered in the UEFA Champions League while Bohemians, Derry City and Shamrock Rovers will be entered in the UEFA Europa League.

"Peamount United will be entered in the UEFA Women’s Champions League."