Draw announced for Europa League playoffs

Posted on Monday, August 10th, 2009 at 12:18 pm and is filed under News.

Everton have been drawn against Czech club Sigma Olomouc for the forthcoming Europa League playoffs.

The fixture represents a tough challenge for the 2008/2009 FA Cup finalists. Sigma Olomuc had no problem eliminating Scottish Premiership side, Aberdeen, from the Europa League qualifiers, burying the Scots beneath a flurry of goals.

Other English clubs set to feature in the Europa League playoffs include Fulham, who will face Russian club Amkar Prem, and Aston Villa, who will take on Austria’s Rapid Vienna in the two match tie starting on the 20th of August.

The playoffs for the 2009/2010 Europa League will also hold some interest for Scottish football fans. Hearts will be in action on the 20th of August as they take on Dinamo Zagreb, following the latter club’s elimination from the Champions League qualifiers.

Ireland will also have a representative in the Europa League playoffs, as St Patrick’s Athletic takes on Steaua Bucharest, victors over Motherwell in the Europa League third qualifying round.