Wil on their way down

Less than five weeks after winning the Swiss Cup, FC Wil 1900 have been relegated from the Super League following a 4-0 loss at FC Aarau yesterday.

Boardroom split
The defeat, coupled with Neuchâtel Xamax FC's unexpected 3-1 victory at champions FC Basel, leaves Wil stranded at the foot of the table with two matches to play. It has been something of a seesaw season at the Bergholz stadium, with the boardroom split between Ukrainian investors and Swiss staff.

Five coaches
Although Wil staged a huge coup when they defeated Grasshopper-Club in the Swiss Cup final to qualify for the UEFA Cup for the first time, instability behind the scenes has taken its toll with five different coaches this season telling its own story.

Licence concerns
Wil's plight could yet deteriorate. Last week, the Swiss Football League's licensing committee rejected the club's application for a playing licence for next season. If Wil fail to overturn the verdict on appeal, they could lose their UEFA Cup place. The committee will make a final decision on 24 May.

Third place
With two rounds to play, two other Super League issues are close to resolution. Servette FC are almost guaranteed third spot and a place in the UEFA Cup despite a 2-1 loss at FC Thun, although FC St. Gallen are still in contention after closing to within five points by beating Grasshoppers 2-1.

Xamax concern
At the other end, and despite their good win, Xamax remain clear favourites to finish second from bottom. If they do, they will tackle the Challenge League runners-up in a play-off to decide who plays in the top flight next season. Nearest rivals Aarau now need just a point to guarantee their survival.