Shamrock Rovers have been handed a favourable draw in the first round of UEFA Champions League qualifying after being paired with Maltese champions Floriana.
The draw, which took place on Tuesday afternoon, sees Stephen Bradley’s side travel to Malta for the opening leg before hosting the return fixture in Tallaght Stadium a week later. The first leg is scheduled for 7 or 8 July, with the second leg taking place on 14 or 15 July. Exact dates and kick-off times will be confirmed in the coming weeks.
As the highest-ranked club in the draw, Rovers entered the qualifying campaign as a seeded side, thanks to their impressive performances in European competition over the past decade. Their strong UEFA coefficient means that two successful qualifying rounds would guarantee league-phase football in Europe this season.
Floriana secured their 27th Maltese league title last season but have struggled to make a significant breakthrough in European competition. The club’s best recent achievement came in 2021 when they reached the third qualifying round of the Europa League after defeating Linfield. Last season, Floriana came close to a potential meeting with Shamrock Rovers in the UEFA Conference League but were eliminated by Ballkani 5-3 on aggregate. Rovers later defeated the Kosovan side 4-1 over two legs.
Victory in the opening round would be particularly significant for the Hoops, as it would provide additional opportunities to reach the league phase through either the Champions League, Europa League or Conference League pathways. The Premier Division champions are already guaranteed more than €1.1 million in UEFA prize money before kicking a ball, while qualification for the league phase would bring a substantial financial boost. Rovers have achieved that feat in each of the past two seasons.
Elsewhere, Derry City face a difficult challenge in the first round of Europa League qualifying after being drawn against Bulgarian side CSKA Sofia. The tie revives memories of the clubs’ previous meeting in the 2009-10 season, when CSKA progressed with a 2-1 aggregate victory.
As an unseeded team, Derry were expected to face a strong opponent, although the Bulgarian side was viewed as one of the more manageable options available. The first leg will take place in Bulgaria on 9 July, with the return match at the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium on 16 July. Regardless of the result, Derry are guaranteed another European tie as defeat would see them drop into the second round of Conference League qualifying.
In the UEFA Conference League, Bohemians were paired with Gibraltar’s St Joseph’s in what appears to be a favourable draw. Bohs, who were unseeded, will host the first leg at Dalymount Park. Shelbourne, meanwhile, must wait until Wednesday to discover their opponents after entering the competition at the second qualifying round stage due to improved club and league rankings. Athlone Town’s women’s side will learn their European opponents later this week.
