West Ham United qualify for Europa League

West Ham United have qualified for next season's Europa League via the Premier League's Fair Play table.

The Hammers finished second behind Liverpool in the standings, but they have claimed the place by virtue of the Merseysiders having already secured their spot in the competition by finishing fifth in the Premier League.

The East Londoners, who are currently without a manager following Sam Allardyce's recent departure, will enter the tournament in early July in the first qualifying round.

"We are delighted to have won a place in the UEFA Europa League as we want to ensure the Boleyn Ground the best send-off possible, and progress in this competition will certainly help with that," joint chairmen David Sullivan and David Gold said in a statement on the club's official website. "Starting in early July will bring its challenges, but everyone at the club, from the board to the players and supporters will be relishing the opportunity to feature on the European stage. It should be a fantastic experience."

To reach the group stages, West Ham will have to get through three qualifying rounds, which is a total of six matches.