PAS Giannina denied European licence

Greek side PAS Giannina have been refused a license to play in European competition by UEFA.

The club achieved qualification to the UEFA Europa League for the first time in their history last season, following a fifth-placed league finish.

However, they have now been denied a place in the competition after failing to comply with UEFA’s financial requirements. They will be replaced by Skoda Xanthi, who were the next team in the Greek league who met the ruling.

PAS have announced their intention to appeal the decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

“PAS Giannina considers this decision unjust, as well as the fact that there is no information as yet about the reasoning and we will immediately appeal to the CAS,” a statement on the club’s official website read.

“The club proved on the field, through its ethos and spirit, that it deservedly secured its European involvement, however, some people managed to deny the joy of thousands of fans using paperwork.

“This unacceptable decision will not break the determination of the PAS Giannina family and that we will continue to battle on the field with honesty and consistency as we always have done.”

Panathaikos, who finished outside the European places, were hoping to take the vacant spot but it was announced on Thursday that they had been denied a licence for similar reasons.