Sion set for Europa League talks with Uefa

Sion beat Celtic 3-1 on aggregate when they met in the Europa League play-off (GETTY IMAGES)

UEFA have invited Sion to a consultation meeting to consider their possible re-integration into the Europa League.

UEFA have already held talks with Celtic, who took Sion's place in the group stage, and the other teams in Group I over the effects on fixtures should the Swiss club be reinstated.

Sion were thrown out of the competition in September after being found guilty of fielding ineligible players in their two play-off matches against Celtic.

UEFA have since rejected numerous attempts by the club to regain their place via the Swiss civil court in the canton of Vaud, insisting that the Court of Arbitration for Sport is the only authority with jurisdiction over the matter.

European football's governing body today released a statement which read: "After having consulted the clubs in Group I of the UEFA Europa League, UEFA has now invited FC Sion to express its views on the potential impact of the club's possible reintegration in the UEFA Europa League, and on the match schedule in particular.

"Respecting the process as announced, UEFA is pursuing its consultations with the clubs that could be affected by FC Sion's possible reintegration if the Court of Arbitration for Sport should decide in favour of the club.

"UEFA has therefore invited the FC Sion management to discuss the possibilities.

"If the CAS decides in favour of FC Sion in the dispute between UEFA and the Swiss club, the UEFA Europa League calendar may have to be adapted.

"The CAS wishes to hear both parties on November 24.

"If accepted by FC Sion, this consultation could take place next week."

UEFA had already made contingency plans for Sion's readmission.

The first option would annul the group fixtures already played between Celtic, Udinese, Atletico Madrid and Rennes and start a new five-team group with teams playing each other once.

The second option would see Sion join Group I as it stands and play each team home and away.

UEFA also raised the possibility of Sion moving directly into the last 32 following an undefined play-off.

Udinese lead Group I with seven points, three ahead of Atletico, with Celtic and Rennes both on two points.

PA