CAS rejects Timisoara appeal against licence refusal

BERNE, July 18 (Reuters) - Romanian club FC Timisoara's
appeal against the decision to refuse them a licence for next
season due to overdue debts was thrown out by the Court of
Arbitration for Sport (CAS) on Monday.     

The decision means that Timisoara, who finished second in
the Romanian Liga 1 last season, will be relegated and will not
be able to take part in the qualifying rounds of the Champions
League.     

Vaslui, who finished third and were included in the draw for
the third qualifying round of the Champions League made by UEFA
on Friday, will take their place and will face Dutch side Twente
Enschede.     

Gloria Bistrita and second division club Bihor Oradea had
similar appeals against the Romania federation dismissed by CAS.

"The....appeals have been dismissed and the challenged
decisions taken by the competent authorities in Romania and by
UEFA have been confirmed in their entirety," said CAS in a
statement.     

"As a result of their appeals being dismissed, the three
clubs do not have a licence to compete in the first division of
the Romanian championship for the 2011/2012 season and FC
Timisoara does not have a licence to take part in the UEFA
competitions this season."     

Otelul Galati won the championship last season and have
qualified directly for the Champions League group stage.