Our client, MBi Llandudno FC managed to qualify for the UEFA Europa League after TNS defeated Airbus US in the FAW Welsh Cup Final. Following Airbus’ losing heartache, the 3rd spot in the league (occupied by MBi Llandudno FC) became automatic qualification for the Europa League.
This is gigantic for a lot of reasons. Previously known as the UEFA Cup, the Europa League has been running since 1971, and is an annual football club association competition organized by UEFA for eligible European football clubs.
Clubs qualify for the competition based on their performance in their respective national leagues and cup competitions. Llandudno’s fantastic first season in the top Welsh league ensured their eligibility for the UEFA Europa League, and if they are to then win the UEFA Europa League, they are guaranteed a ticket to the UEFA Champion’s League play-offs.
Whatever happens, Llandudno stand to gain in a financial sense from participation as well, earning €200,000 (approximately £157,600) just for making the preliminary stages of the UEFA Europa League.
MBi Llandudno FC are in the first round of qualifiers, which will be drawn in Geneva on Monday the 20th of June, with the tie to be played out on Thursday 30th June and Thursday the 7th of July.
Not entertaining the thought of sitting back and twiddling their thumbs until the tie, Llandudno recently announced their preparations starting with the announcement of a pre-season friendly against Irish team Glenavon FC who, similarly, finished third in their respective league to qualify for the UEFA Europa League.
The commitment and dedication of the team to make it to what many consider the big leagues can’t be doubted, as success after success has followed the team – after a successful 2014-15 Cymru Alliance season, Llandudno were promoted as champions to the Welsh Premier League for the first time in their history.
This first season proved nothing short of remarkable, earning them this place in the Europa League’s first qualifier round in a truly fairytale first year in the top flight of Welsh football. We’re very proud of our clients, and we wish them every success in the world as they boldly take Welsh football to an international level.
[Image Credit: SteHLiverpool | CC BY-NC-ND 2.0]
