Drogheda United have, as expected, been deducted 10 points by the Independent Club Licensing Committee after going into examinership.

The committee's decision came after it met this evening and will drop last year's league winners significantly down the table with two games remaining.

It is a decision that will cost Drogheda European football next season, dropping them from fourth position to eighth, and afford the chance to Setanta Cup winners Cork City or Sligo Rovers to qualify for the Uefa Cup instead.

Cork, who were themselves deducted 10 points in August, face St Patrick's Athletic in Inchicore tomorrow and then host Rovers in what is likely to be a straight battle for the lucrative fourth spot.

Drogehda have the right to appeal the decision.