Moyes against Pompey’s Euro bid

(GSM) – Everton manager David Moyes says FA Cup finalists Portsmouth should be given the green light to play in the Europa League next season. Pompey have qualified for the European competition next season after reaching the FA Cup final.

However, the club that was hit by financial blows and went into administration currently has no UEFA club license after failing to apply for it in time.

But administrator Andrew Andronikou wants to present a strong case to be granted a licence before the May 31st deadline.

That move, though heroic in Portsmouth fans’ eyes, could seriously damage Everton’s hopes of playing European football.

The Merseysiders are currently eighth in the Premier League standings. Should Pompey be denied entry, seventh place would secure Europa League football for Everton next season.

Moyes was full of praise for the superb job Portsmouth manager Avram Grant had done in guiding the club, which has been in turmoil all season, to the final of the FA Cup. However, the Everton boss still believes that the rules should be enforced.

“If you don’t apply and don’t do the right things, then you can’t expect to be in there,” explained Moyes.

“I have sympathy with the situation the club are in, and what Avram has done getting them to the Cup final is nothing short of miraculous under the circumstances.

“But you’d have to ask why Portsmouth didn’t apply. They have to abide by the rules like everybody else.”