Southampton manager Mauricio Pochettino believes that clubs should only play in Europe should they earn it through their performance on the pitch.
Southampton are 13th in the Premier League but they could be offered a place in the Europa League due to featuring at the top end of the Fair Play table.
However, if offered the opportunity, Pochettino has revealed that the club will turn the chance to join Wigan Athletic and the fifth-placed Premier League side in the competition.
The 41-year-old told reporters: "We wouldn't accept the place, if we were given the possibility to take it.
"We have spoke with the chairman, and we have decided not to take that offer because I think in football, what you are rewarded in football needs to be earned on the pitch."
Liverpool are the highest-placed team in the list but, like the Saints, are unlikely to take up the offer, while Fulham are currently ranked a place below Southampton in the standings.
Darren Plant
