Source: Team_Talk
Petrov's plea to UEFA officials
Stiliyan Petrov has urged UEFA to make a decision sooner rather than later on whether Portsmouth will be allowed to play in the Europa League.[LNB] Aston Villa have more than a passing interest in crisis club Pompey's situation as it could have a bearing on whether Villa take part in the competition next season.[LNB]Pompey, who entertain Martin O'Neill's side on Sunday, would normally be able to participate even if they lose the FA Cup final to double-chasing Chelsea.[LNB]But their financial situation could count against them - and then an extra Europa League spot could be available via the Premier League.[LNB]That could let in Villa, who are currently lying seventh and looking to qualify for Europe for a third successive season.[LNB]Petrov said: "We hope that justice will be right in the end and we will see what is going to happen.[LNB]"I think if would be wrong for things to drag on until the end of season with teams not knowing if in they are in Europe or not.[LNB]"I think that would be wrong. Teams are playing, teams are battling and other teams are trying to prepare for next season.[LNB]"They (UEFA) need to clear the situation up earlier than they said (in May)."[LNB]Villa are still harbouring slim hopes of qualifying for the Champions League, although Wednesday's 2-2 draw with Everton has left them facing an uphill task.[LNB]But Petrov acknowledges Villa will have to collect 15 points from their remaining five games and hope Manchester City and Tottenham slip up during the run-in.[LNB]"Fourth place is now getting harder to achieve but we will battle to the end," he said.[LNB]"Mathematically we've still got a chance but we need other teams to make mistakes and we need to win every single game.[LNB]"If we win all five it may still not enough because the other teams have got an advantage at the moment - but we will keep battling on."[LNB]Petrov also believes Villa deserve some tangible reward for their efforts this season.[LNB]He said: "I said before the (Carling Cup) final that we needed to make sure we don't end up with nothing and it is important we qualify for Europe for a third year in a row.[LNB]"We are working really hard but sometimes it is not going our way.[LNB]"We have been losing points but we have been performing well. We have been having chances but we couldn't manage to see the games through which is really frustrating.[LNB]"It seems like we don't lose the games but we don't have that final bit to win the games which frustrates us all."
