FC Midtjylland have bolstered their squad with experienced defender Andreas Maxsø, but he is ineligible for UEFA Conference League matches. Maxsø has signed a contract until the end of the year but can only feature in domestic competition due to UEFA's registration deadlines.

The club's sporting director, Kristian Bach Bak, highlighted the need for reinforcements. "We are in a situation right now where several of our centre-backs are injured." he said. Mads Bech, Ousmane Diao, Magnus Jensen and Martin Erlic are all on the injury list, while Rasmus Nissen Kristensen and Abdou Aziz Ndiaye are suspended for the next match.

UEFA rules are clear

All clubs had to submit their A-list for the group stage by 23:59 on September 2nd. Maxsø, born before January 1, 2005, was not registered with FC Midtjylland before this deadline. The B-list is reserved for younger players, and the option to replace a long-term injured player also requires the replacement to have been registered with the club before the cut-off. None of these paths are open for Maxsø.

He could only become eligible in Europe if the team advances to the spring knockout stages. However, his contract expires at the turn of the year, before any potential knockout matches are played. The club's first European group game is against Egnatia on October 15th.

Superliga context

The signing comes as FC Midtjylland sit in a solid second place in the Superliga with 19 points from 9 games. The team is unbeaten in their last five league matches, a run that includes a 4-1 win over Brøndby and a 1-1 draw with OB. They trail leaders FC Copenhagen by five points, whom they host on October 11th.

Bak expressed satisfaction with the deal despite the European limitations. "It is rare for us as a club to make this type of agreement, but we are happy that we can sign a quality player like Maxsø. He will come in from day one and be an active part of the dressing room," said the sporting director. Maxsø's first task will be to help the team in the key home match against FC Copenhagen.

The report in full is at feedball.dk