England, Norway, Sweden get extra Europa berth

Fulham could be set to play in Europe next season after UEFA announced on Monday that England have been awarded an additional place in next season's Europa League as part of the Respect Fair Play ranking. European football's governing body said that three countries have earned the fair play spots - Norway, who finished top of the table, followed by England and Sweden. Fulham, who are the only team not to have had a player sent off in the Premier League this season, look like the beneficiaries in England with one game to go. Mark Hughes' side are in second spot in the Premier League's fair play table behind Chelsea, who have already qualified for the Champions League. UEFA said in a statement: "The standings, which cover all matches played in UEFA competition at club and national-team levels from 1 May 2010 to 30 April 2011, take into account assessments made by official UEFA delegates on criteria such as positive play, respect for the opposition, respect for the referee, behaviour of the crowd and of team officials, as well as cautions and dismissals. "Norway came out on top in the rankings, which only contain sides that have played 34 or more UEFA games in the time period. The Football Association of Norway therefore receives an extra place in the first qualifying round of the UEFA Europa League, which will also feature an additional club each from England and Sweden after they finished second and third in the table."