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Belgium - A little local difficulty...

Nothing to do with the fool this time - well at least not directly his fault.

KV Mechelen unexpectedly won the Belgian cup final yesterday, which has caused rather a large problem for the Belgian FA.

You see, Mechelen were heavily involved in the match fixing scandal last year, the main culprits in fact. Their punishment includes a ban from European competition next season, which was not expected to be an issue until they won the Cup, therefore gaining a place in the Europa League. 

As they are banned the spare place doesn't go to Gent (runners up) it goes to the winners of a play off. The semi final is between the winners of two play off leagues, who are Kortrijk and our old friends, Sint-Truiden. The winners then go on to play - of all people - Standard Liege in the final.  

The trouble is that, as is the way with these things, there is a final ruling on Mechelen's punishment due to be heard on May 27th and 28th - an appeal of sorts. But the final play off is due to be played on the 26th... 

So a team could be in the Europa league on Sunday, and out again by Tuesday.          

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