Pompey can't qualify for Europe even if they win cup

Published on Tuesday 9 March 2010 22:19

PORTSMOUTH face the prospect of chasing FA Cup glory without the prize of European football after it emerged they have not applied for a UEFA club licence.

Avram Grant's men face Fulham or Tottenham in the semi- finals of the competition and reaching the final would, in normal circumstances, guarantee a Europa League place if the winners qualify for the Champions League.

However, all the paperwork for a UEFA licence needs to be submitted to enter European competitions and it is understood that Pompey, who are in administration and are fighting a winding-up order from Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs, have not lodged an application.

Pompey secured a last-four berth on Saturday by beating Birmingham amid emotional scenes at Fratton Park, with Grant suggesting they were playing for pride and their fans rather than prize money.

"People sometimes with all the money and the business forget what is the nature of football," Grant said.

"This is what football is about. The nature of football is what you see here in Portsmouth.

"It's amazing to be with this team. Even with the squad we had before nobody believed we could do it. To be with this team in Wembley, I think it's amazing. You saw the emotions after the game. They speak for themselves."