NIFL chiefs have provided a handy guide to the various playoff permutations heading into the final round of Danske Bank Premiership fixtures this weekend.
It follows the No Europa League playoff for Institute if they secure seventh in the Danske Bank Premiership
EUROPA LEAGUE PLAYOFFS
We currently have a scenario where we could have three, four or possible five teams competing in next month’s Europa League play-offs.
Scenarios 3 and 4 only come into play if Ballinamallard United are granted a late UEFA Licence after booking their place in the Irish Cup final on May 4.
As a Championship club currently playing outside the top division, the Mallards have until May 3 to apply for and secure a licence to feature in European competition.
The Fermanagh club faces Crusaders in the blue riband showpiece with the winners poised to secure a money-spinning berth in the Europa League.
No Europa League playoff for Institute if they secure seventh in the Danske Bank Premiership
SCENARIO 1
If Crusaders win the Irish Cup and Glentoran finish seventh in the Danske Bank Premiership, the following four teams would compete in the play off.
- Glenavon
- Cliftonville
- Coleraine
- Glentoran
SCENARIO 2
If Crusaders win the Irish Cup and Institute (who didn’t apply for a UEFA Licence) finish seventh in the Danske Bank Premiership, only three teams would compete in the play off.
- Glenavon
- Cliftonville
- Coleraine
In this scenario, the highest ranked club (Glenavon) would receive a bye to the playoff final.
SCENARIO 3
If Ballinamallard win the Irish Cup and Glentoran finish seventh in the Danske Bank Premiership, no fewer than FIVE teams would compete in the play offs.
- Glenavon
- Crusaders
- Cliftonville
- Coleraine
- Glentoran
SCENARIO 4
If Ballinamallard win the Irish Cup and Institute (who didn’t apply for a UEFA Licence) finish seventh in the Danske Bank Premiership, four clubs would compete in the play offs.
- Glenavon
- Crusaders
- Cliftonville
-
Coleraine
PLAYOFF DATES IF THREE OR FOUR TEAMS PARTICIPATING
- SEMI-FINALS: Tuesday, May 7 (7.45pm)
- FINAL: Saturday, May 11 (5.30pm)
PLAYOFF DATES IF FIVE TEAMS PARTICIPATING
- 6TH v 7TH: Tuesday, May 7 (7.45pm)
- SEMI-FINALS: Saturday, May 11 (3pm)
- FINAL: Tuesday, May 14 (7.45pm)
A further update will be provided by NIFL following the conclusion of Saturday’s final round of Danske Bank Premiership fixtures.
Meanwhile it has been confirmed that the promotion/relegation playoffs will be played on the following dates - Friday, May 3 (7.45pm) and Monday, May 6 (7.45pm).
The first leg will be played at the ground of the NIFL Championship club with the second leg at the home of the Premiership club.
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Carrick Rangers host Portadown on a ‘pre-playoff’ this Tuesday (April 30, 7.45pm) to decide which Championship club progresses to the promotion/relegation playoff.
The two-legged Championship promotion/relegation playoffs between Annagh United and the 11th placed team in the Championship will be played on April 30 and May 3.
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