UEFA extends Italian clubs' deadline until tomorrow

GENEVA, July 25 (Reuters) UEFA has extended the deadline for the submission of the names of Italian clubs eligible to take part in the 2006-07 European club competitions until tomorrow.

European soccer's governing body said in a statement issued from their headquarters at Nyon today that it had received a letter from the Italian FA (FIGC) asking UEFA for an extension of one day from today's original deadline.

Appeal verdicts in the Italian soccer scandal involving Juventus, AC Milan, Fiorentina and Lazio are expected at 1830 GMT (2030 CET) today.

''After having carefully analysed the request, UEFA's Emergency Panel decided to grant the requested extraordinary extension of the deadline,'' UEFA said in a statement.

''The revised deadline is therefore Wednesday 26 July 2006.'' The names of the Italian clubs are required by UEFA before the seedings can be completed for Friday's draws in Nyon for the Champions League third qualifying round (1000 GMT) and UEFA Cup second qualifying round (1130 GMT).

REUTERS AY PM1958