Man City set for unexpected UEFA Cup spot

(CNN) -- Manchester City are set to land a place in next season's UEFA Cup after the award of an extra place to English Premier League sides.

The European governing body revealed on Friday that English teams had topped their fair play competition, meaning an extra place in the first qualifying round of the 2008-09 UEFA Cup.

The English FA has confirmed that the berth will be awarded to the highest-ranked side in he Premier League fair play table that has not qualified for Europe by other means.

City currently stand fifth in the English fair play table, behind Tottenham, Arsenal, Manchester United and Liverpool -- who are all already guaranteed a place in Europe next season.

It means Sven-Goran Eriksson's side, with only a single league game remaining, stand on the brink of an unexpected bonus -- although it will mean an early start to the season.

Whether Eriksson will be at the helm to lead them into Europe remained a hot topic on Friday, with Portugal manager Felipe Scolari distancing himself from the City job despite media speculation.

"Portugal offers me everything I need," Scolari said in an interview late on Thursday with Portuguese broadcaster RTP. "I have no agreement with that club (Man City)."

Former England coach Eriksson has been told by club owner Thaksin Shinawatra that his position will be reviewed after the final game of the season on Sunday.

Benfica confirmed on Thursday that they had approached the Swede with a view to him taking charge of them for the third time.