The FAI have confirmed that Waterford have been denied entry to next season's Europa League.

This week saw St. Patrick's Athletic write to the FAI, questioning Waterford's eligibility for a UEFA licence as Waterford's parent company was less than the required three-years old.

Lee Power purchased the Premier Division club in December of 2016, and truncated the name to Waterford FC.

Waterford thought they'd secured a place in the first qualifying round of next season's Europa League with their fourth place finish in last season's SSE Airtricity Premier Division. However, the FAI's statement seems to have put an end to those hopes.

"The Football Association of Ireland can confirm it has received notification from UEFA’s Licensing Department that Waterford FC’s exception request has been rejected on the non-fulfilment of the three-year rule as defined in the UEFA Club Licensing and Financial Fair Play Regulations.

UEFA has informed the FAI that, following the Club Financial Control Body-Investigatory Chamber decision in this case, Waterford FC may not apply for a UEFA licence for the UEFA Club Competitions for the season 2019/20.

Neither the FAI nor UEFA have clarified whether St. Pat's will take Waterford place, but as they finished fifth they would be next in line.

Derry City were denied entry to the 2012/13 Europa League in similar circumstances.