The Netherlands, England and Ireland have gained an extra place in the 2015/16 Europa League after topping Uefa’s fair play rankings.

Oranje finished top of the rankings, based on all Uefa competition matches played at both club and national team levels between May 1, 2014 and April 30, 2015.

The fair play assessments are made by the Uefa officials on criteria such as positive play, respect for the opposition, respect for the referee, crowd behaviour and that of the team officials, as well as the number of red and yellow cards.

The additional slot is for the first qualifying round of next season’s Europa League competition. FC Twente, which leads the current national fair play rankings, has said it will not take up the offer because of its financial situation.

The club is concerned that it might be refused a licence for European football if it applies and that a refusal could also carry Uefa fines, broadcaster Nos reports.

The extra ticket means the Netherlands will have at least four teams in the Europa League next season.

KNVB Cup winner Groningen qualifies automatically for the group round. Should Ajax, as Eredivisie runner up, fail to qualify for the Champions League, it too will join the Europa League, bringing the total to five.