University College Dublin AFC have an Europa League campaign to plan for. The SSE Airtricity League First Division club are the beneficiaries after Ireland were granted an extra place in the competition due to the fair play awards. UCD finished third in the Irish Fair Play League, but the clubs ahead of them, Dundalk and St Patrick’s Athletic, are already in European competitions. UCD's participation is subject to a licence and they must have a manager with UEFA Pro Licence.
The students have a rich history in Europe. They drew 3 all with PFC Velbazhd Kyustendil in Belfield in the 1999 Inter Toto Cup. A nil all draw in Bulgaria saw them bow out on away goals.
They famously drew nil all with an Everton side that included the likes of Neville Southall, Kevin Sheedy, Andy Gray and Peter Reid in the 1984 European Cup Winners Cup. The Toffees won 1-nil in the second leg and went on to win the competition.
