Celtic win Europa League appeal

UEFA have confirmed that Celtic have been reinstated to the Europa League in place of Sion, pending an appeal by the Swiss club.

Sion have been charged with fielding ineligible players against the Scottish side during their two-legged play-off, which they won 3-1 on aggregate.

Celtic had appealed to UEFA after it emerged that the Swiss team had breached a transfer ban imposed on them in 2008, relating to the signing of goalkeeper Essam El-Hadary, by fielding players signed during the summer.

At the time of the appeal, UEFA president Michel Platini said: “FC Sion has not respected the rules of the transfer ban – they signed players and then played those players.”

As a result of, Celtic have been awarded two 3-0 wins as the matches have been forfeited.

A spokesperson for the Glasgow club said: “We have been advised by UEFA that the two protests relating to the matches against FC Sion have been upheld, as a result of which each match has been forfeited in favour of Celtic.

“We are pleased by this decision, the approach which has been taken by UEFA and the fact that UEFA rules and regulations have been upheld. We are also grateful for the support of the SFA in this matter.”

Celtic will take Sion’s place in Group I and will face Atletico Madrid, Udinese and Rennes.

However, the Swiss club are expected to lodge an appeal, with owner Christian Constantin promising before the decision that he would take action if Celtic were reinstated.