West Ham United are delighted to confirm that they have qualified for a place in the 2015/16 UEFA Europa League, for the first time since 2006/2007, after finishing top of the Barclays Premier League’s Fair Play table.
In a joint statement, West Ham United Joint-Chairmen David Sullivan and David Gold welcomed the news. They said: “We are delighted to have won a place in the UEFA Europa League as we want to ensure the Boleyn Ground the best send-off possible, and progress in this competition will certainly help with that.
“Starting in early July will bring its challenges, but everyone at the Club, from the Board to the players and supporters will be relishing the opportunity to feature on the European stage. It should be a fantastic experience.”
West Ham will be among 104 teams whose European campaigns will begin with the first qualifying round on 2 July, with three rounds to negotiate before August’s play-off round determines the 22 teams who come through the qualification process and advance to the Europa League’s group stage.
The draw for the qualifying rounds will take place as follows:
UEFA Europa League first and second qualifying round draws: 22 June
UEFA Europa League third qualifying round draw: 17 July
UEFA Europa League play-off round draw: 7 August
UEFA Europa League group stage draw: 28 August
Click here for full information on draw and round dates.
England will also be represented in this competition by Tottenham Hotspur, Liverpool and either Southampton or Aston Villa, depending on the latter’s result in the FA Cup final.