Manchester City have been awarded a place in next season’s UEFA Cup via the Premier League’s fair play table.

England were awarded an extra UEFA Cup place for the 2008/09 tournament as the Premier League came top of Uefa’s fair play rankings.

Sven Goran Eriksson said:

“It’s a step in the right direction because the target for this club in the future is to play in the Champions League, and the Uefa Cup is a very good school to learn about European football.”

Thaksin Shinawatra, the Manchester City chairman added: “I am delighted for everybody at the club, especially our supporters.”

However, Manchester City will not be able to play their first qualifying round tie at Eastlands as the pitch is due to be relaid after Bon Jovi play a concert on the 22 June.

The draw for the first qualifying round will be made on 30 June.