Jim Jefferies has hit out at the confusion and inconvenience caused by the SFAs European qualification criteria. Hearts are one of three teams in the chase for a Europa League spot with fourth place guaranteeing entry into the qualifying rounds but the club who finishes fifth could also sneak into Europe. However, this depends on a number of factors which have left Jefferies' head in a spin. He said: "I'm led to believe that if Dundee United win the cup and finish third, then fifth place gets into Europe... is that the case?" As explained by the SFA's Clare Bodell, there are other scenarios that would mean fifth place is not enough to qualify. Should United take second place from Celtic - and thereby gain entry to the Champions League - then cup final opponents Ross County will be automatically handed Scotland's final Europa League spot. The space in the Europa League would also go to County if they win the cup final. Jefferies said: "It's so complicated that nobody knows who's going to be where. We can finish the season in fifth thinking we're in Europe." |