After overcoming Real Madrid over two legs to get this far in the competition, UEFA confirmed a fourth placed finish in the Premiership this season would only be good enough for entry to next season’s UEFA Cup, IF Arsenal won the top prize this season and finished outside the top four domestically.
However, after this morning’s draw in Paris, Edgar Davids’ former club stands in their way of reaching the last four, while the Dutchman's current club holds superiority in the Premiership ladder.
Meanwhile, Gordon Taylor, head of the players' union, said Arsenal's victory over Real was "tinged with disappointment because it was not an English success".
The PFA has backed proposals by UEFA that every squad should conform to having eight homegrown players, including four from the club's academy. Nothing is expected to come of that in the next three years though.
"It's hard to say that it speaks volumes for English football when none of the players is homegrown. It's probably a greater reflection of youngsters from France and elsewhere in Europe. It would have been more enjoyable if Ashley Cole and Sol Campbell were part of it," he added.
Source: The Guardian