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Derry City have today been denied a UEFA licence to compete in this year's Europa League competition, after UEFA deciding against allowing the club compete due to a three-year European suspension.

UEFA's three-year rule at the centre of the problem applies to the club for going into liquidation after being expelled from the League of Ireland by the FAI in November 2009. The application by Derry City was supported by the FAI in the hope for relaxation of the rule.

An FAI statement on Tuesday evening confirmed that the club had been unsuccessful and, pending an appeal, Bohemians would be nominated to take their place.

"The Football Association of Ireland today confirmed receipt of UEFA’s decision not to grant Derry City FC permission to apply for a licence to play in UEFA competition for the season 2012-13.

An application was made to UEFA for a derogation of the ‘three-year’ rule, arguing that the club was a new entity, and as such was entitled to apply for a licence. The Association will consult with the club regarding the matter and both parties will study the decision in the coming days.

Should no appeal of this decision be made to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), Bohemian FC will be nominated for UEFA competition in place of Derry City FC."