Despite being top of the Fair Play table, Bournemouth definitely won’t be playing in Europe next season.
West Ham had a very early return to competitive football at the beginning of the 2015/16 campaign after topping the Fair Play League last season.
Their reward for their low number of bookings saw them gain a spot in the first qualifying round of the Europa League. After getting through two qualifying rounds, the Hammers were eventually knocked out by Romanian behemoths Astra Giurgiu (credit to Google for the spelling).
However, this season’s goody-two-shoes team AFC Bournemouth won’t be playing in Europe, even if they win the Fair Play League thanks to UEFA altering the regulations.
Instead, the “fairest” associations, the most improved and the one with the most well-behaved spectators will be given a cash prize by UEFA. Rather than use the money for anything fun, it has to be put towards ‘fair play or respect-themed projects’.
Fun!!!
