Larne’s defeat by Iberia 1999 in Europa League qualifying has weakened Northern Ireland’s position in Uefa’s association coefficient rankings, with implications beyond the club itself. Although Larne can still progress in the Conference League, the Irish Premiership’s long-term prospects of retaining four European qualifying places now depend largely on its remaining campaign.

Northern Ireland has fallen four places to 51st out of 55 associations, a position which would mean losing one European place for the 2028-29 season. Uefa rankings are based on clubs’ results over five seasons, adjusted for the number of participating teams; Glentoran and Linfield exited Conference League qualifying early, while Coleraine lost to Helsinki. The league champion would keep a Champions League qualifying place and the Irish Cup winner would still qualify for Europe, but the league could have to remove or alter its end-of-season play-offs.