THE New Saints will definitely play CSKA Sofia in Thursday's Europa League tie after UEFA ruled out sanctions against the Bulgarians.
CSKA Sofia have been investigated by UEFA for fielding an ineligible player in the last round against Cliftonville - leading to speculation the Northern Ireland side might be reinstated into the play-off round in their place.
CSKA defeated the north Belfast side 5-1 on aggregate in the third round qualifier, with ineligible loan player Spas Delev playing in the second leg at Windsor Park.
The Bulgarian Under-21 forward joined CSKA Sofia from Pirin in a one-year loan deal in 2009, with the possibility of making his move permanent.
Uefa rules state that any protests over player eligibility must be made within 24 hours of the game. But Uefa are investigating the matter and also alleged paperwork discrepancies in Delev's move from FC Pirin to Sofia.
However, a spokesman from UEFA revealed there is no possible extension of the 24-hour protest rule 'for the sake of a smooth running competition'.
The spokesman added that a match can only be awarded by default if a protest was received in time - unless the player should have been suspended.
They added: "Based on the above, it is clear that the match will not be awarded by default and therefore CSKA Sofia are qualified."
The New Saints will play CSKA in Sofia on Thursday, the return leg a week later.