| QUOTE |
| The Rossoneri missed out on a place in Europe’s premier club competition after they only finished fifth in Serie A, following a hugely disappointing campaign. Carlo Ancelotti’s men, who have been the dominant side in the competition over the past six years, winning two editions, and reaching a final, semi-final and quarter-final, were gearing themselves to play in the UEFA Cup in 2008/09. However the Diavoli could now be on the verge of being granted a sensational back-door entry back into the Champions League. Bulgarian champions CSKA Sofia could be expelled from the competition due to financial problems, CSKA have been denied a license to play in the Bulgarian league, and the Bulgarian FA (BFU) has now demanded that they be expelled from Europe too. The normal procedure is that the BFU send the runner-up Levski Sofia to the CL instead, however it is reported that instead of this, the highest UEFA ranked team not already in the competition will be the replacement, and this is Milan. The Rossoneri would enter at the second preliminary round, and it would mean that Italy would have five teams in the Champions League, the others being Inter, Roma, Juventus and Fiorentina. |
| QUOTE |
| Il Diavolo appeared to have been handed a lifeline as Bulgaria’s FA has asked that champions CSKA Sofia be thrown out from the Champions League due to financial problems. Reports suggested that Milan would be given the place as the highest UEFA ranked team not in the competition. However, Rossoneri hopes have gone up in smoke as it has emerged that the Bulgarian authorities are likely to give the Champions League place to Levski Sofia leaving Milan with the UEFA Cup. The Rossoneri failed to qualify for the Champions League after Fiorentina beat them to the all-important fourth placed finish. Milan had been involved in the past six editions of the competition and now they will return to the UEFA Cup as they did back in 2001. It was Milan’s less than vintage campaign this season in Serie A which proved to be their Champions League downfall. There was another surge in hopes when Portuguese champions Porto were removed from the competition this afternoon, but it is expected that Benfica, who finished fourth in the BWIN Liga, will claim their place. The San Siro club will now have to wait until next year to get their chance in Europe’s elite club tournament but they have to ensure they improve their league form considerably if they are to achieve their Champions League ambition. |
| QUOTE (Drizinha @ Jun 4 2008, 06:55 PM) |
But nooo, no CL! I want Uefa Cup!! :D :D :winner: |
| QUOTE (la_nina @ Jun 4 2008, 07:09 PM) |
| i wasn't too happy when i read that s_ it because i was for winning uefa cup too x) |
| QUOTE (Lilas @ Jun 5 2008, 10:20 AM) |
| I love Milan from the bottom of my heart really but they just don't deserve to play CL this year!! |