Uefa blow to the Bluebirds

Feb 24 2008 by Chris Wathan, Wales On Sunday

CARDIFF City will be boosted by the Welsh FA’s plans of a Euro return – after being told they’ve no chance of Uefa action even if they WIN the FA Cup.

The Bluebirds have reached the quarter-finals of the competition for the first time since winning it in 1927.

And supporters would have hoped to be given the incentive of a Uefa Cup spot traditionally handed to the winners. Cardiff could have even dreamed of making it into the money-spinning tournament had they reached the final and faced likely Champions League qualifiers Man Utd or Chelsea.

But the Football Association have shattered those faint hopes by claiming they could not nominate Cardiff for one of their European places.

A FA spokesman said: “It’s an unique situation for Cardiff as they play in our association yet belong to another one in the FAW.

“Representation would have to be entered by us. They are not eligible for an English place.

“Those rules are set in stone at the start of the season and they enter in that knowledge.

“If Cardiff did get to the final it would make no difference. If they faced either Chelsea or Manchester United then, provided they finished within the European places, the remaining place would go to an alternative Premiership team.”

Uefa have previously stated that the FA COULD nominate a Welsh club for a European spot if they wanted to, citing examples of Liechtenstein sides playing in the Swiss league.