Source: Daily_Mail
Birmingham will compete in Europa League after being granted UEFA licence
ShareBirmingham City have been granted a licence to participate in next year's Europa League.[LNB]Doubts about the club's financial fitness had clouded the aftermath of the Blues' Carling Cup victory over Arsenal giving rise to suggestions that the Barclays Premier League would not throw its' weight behind Birmingham's application.[LNB] Euro dream: Birmingham are set to compete in next season's Europa League[LNB]However, Birmingham owner Carson Yeung has raised over ?15million thanks to share-sales and further investment in Hong Kong during the intervening months.[LNB]That has gone a long way towards re-assuring officials that his club can fulfil the financial criteria necessary to have their bid rubber-stamped.[LNB]News was communicated to the St Andrew's hierarchy this morning and it was greeted with a mixture of joy and relief.[LNB] Flying high: But Birmingham still face relegation [LNB]Acting chairman Peter Pannu said: 'Being granted the licence - which we were always confident of achieving - will put to rest once and for all some of the scare-mongering that has surrounded the club.[LNB]'This means we can all focus on what are really exciting times ahead of us. We have three important games remaining in the Barclays Premier League and we can take this good news into them - starting at Newcastle tomorrow.'[LNB] Birmingham's Europa League chances boosted as owner Yeung reduces St Andrew's stakeBentley escapes punishment from Birmingham over Wolves no-showBirmingham City FC news, features and opinion Explore more:Places: Birmingham, Newcastle, Europe
