St Mirren seek explanation after SFA block Europa League entry with licence ruling

Details of clubs who have fulfilled the governing body’s criteria are published annually and the Buddies were given the gold standard – but have still missed out on the Europa League green light.

The club has asked for clarification, according to local reports, on the ruling which would deny them continental competition for the first time since losing to Mechlen 1987 – if they won the Scottish Cup.

Jim Goodwin’s side are in this weekend’s semi-finals against St Johnstone, but while the Perth side and fellow semi-finalists Hibs and Dundee United could progress to the Europa League play-off, and then the competition proper or the Europa Conference, Goodwin’s side would miss out.

The licence decision can be contested and the Buddies will ask for the reasoning behind the decision before deciding on their next steps.

Get a year of unlimited access to all The Scotsman's sport coverage without the need for a full subscription. Expert analysis of the biggest games, exclusive interviews, live blogs, transfer news and 70 per cent fewer ads on Scotsman.com - all for less than £1 a week. Subscribe to us today