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NIFL European playoffs update as dates and 'scenarios' confirmed
@Source: belfastlive.co.uk
This year's NI Football League European play-off final will be played on Sunday, May 11. The end-of-season clash will see one lucky Irish League club book its place in the lucrative Conference League qualifiers.
Linfield and Larne have already booked their place in Europe. The Blues won the Premiership title, while Larne held off Glentoran to secure runners-up spot.
The winners of the Irish Cup will claim another spot - either Cliftonville or Dungannon Swifts - and the play-off will determine the final Northern Ireland place.
NIFL said: "The popular European Playoff series will kick off in May with the final place in the qualifying rounds of the UEFA Conference League up for grabs.
"Following the completion of the Sports Direct Premiership’s regular season campaign last weekend, the outcome of the Irish Cup Final this weekend (Saturday 3 May) will determine the final line-up."
With Cliftonville and Dungannon Swifts featuring in Saturday's Irish Cup final, the NI Football League have two 'scenarios' for the European play-offs.
Scenario One
Cliftonville win the Irish Cup
Semi-Finals
Wednesday 7 May 2025 (kick-off: 7.45pm)
Glentoran (1) v Crusaders (4) Dungannon Swifts (2) v Coleraine (3)
Sunday 11 May 2025 (kick-off: 2pm)
Scenario Two
Dungannon Swifts win the Irish Cup
Semi-Finals
Wednesday 7 May 2025 (kick-off: 7.45pm)
Glentoran (1) v Cliftonville (4) Coleraine (2) v Crusaders (3)
Sunday 11 May 2025 (kick-off: 2pm)
For any European Playoff ties, the highest ranked club in the regular season will be at home.
Crusaders won last year's European play-off, beating Coleraine in the final. Both sides will be determined to go all the way in 2025. They could potentially meet in the semi-finals if Dungannon win the Irish Cup.
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