Dundalk FC have now received the anticipated formal invitation from the FAI to apply for the appropriate license for UEFA Club Competition participation.

In common with the other three League of Ireland clubs who qualify through their league position or as FAI Cup holders, Dundalk are required to submit the license application by 31 March, with the UEFA licenses being processed in May.

Dundalk are expected to enter the Europa League competition at the First Round stage with the two-legged ties scheduled for 1 July and 8 July. Should Dundalk progress, the Second Round matches are earmarked for the successive weeks -15 July and 22 July.

Dundalk FC Communications Manager, Colm Crosson told dundalkfc.com “The licensing requirements have been in place for several years and every club that qualifies for a Euro place through their on-field results must satisfy a wide range of standards in five distinct areas – Sporting, Infrastructure, Personnel & Administrative, Legal, and Finance. “

“Although its early stages, we are satisfied that we will be apply to comply with the criteria set down and take our place in Europe for the first time since 2002. There has been media speculation about Ian Foster not having the required UEFA Pro License qualification – I can clarify that Ian expects to receive his UEFA ‘A’ license early next month, and then commence his Pro License course. We understand that the commencement, rather then the actual completion, of the course will meet the UEFA standard for 2010. While there are still some boxes to be ticked yet, we have other contingency plans in the event of a difficulty arising here.”

The question of whether Oriel Park can be upgraded to meet the stadium requirements to host Europa League matches is much more challenging.

“We can play in other approved grounds – there are several in Dublin – but we are fervent about wanting to stage Europa League in Oriel Park. The fans, the sponsors, the team, local businesses and the whole community all deserve to have this showcase event in Dundalk. The ground requirements are very demanding, and among other things, include a requirement for 3,000 seats with specific seat dimensions and a ban on temporary stands. We have a Project Group already formed and examining every aspect of this to establish its feasibility - both in terms of cost and time. It is clear that it would need a herculean effort to make this happen, but if it makes financial sense, I have no doubt that the people of Dundalk will rally around Gerry Matthews in trying to make it possible”

“It’s exciting times at Oriel Park – European football on the horizon, the Youth Development Centre making massive strides towards completion, the first team on an unbeaten 7-match pre-season run, and the live televised Louth Derby match against Drogheda kicking off our Oriel Park fixtures on Mothers Day in a couple of weeks time. There is certainly loads of optimism and a positive buzz around the club these days”