Cardiff City WILL play in FAW Premier Cup

Last updated : 16 June 2004 By Michael Morris

"I had a meeting with (FAW secretary general) David Collins and we agreed that Cardiff will be participating in the FAW Premier Cup," Hammam told the BBC.

"But I must stress we're not playing our first team, we're not even playing our reserve team. Our best 18 players on that week will be earmarked for the League."

Sam also hinted towards a European solution for the clubs who play in the English pyramid. It appears that Welsh clubs will not be allowed to enter Europe via English competitions and UEFA will only allow Welsh clubs in the Welsh league to represent Wales. Sam's reson for withdrawing from the FAW Premier Cup was based on there being no European football for the winners. That may change.

"The FAW and us are 80 to 90% certain that we will be allowed to represent Wales in Europe - not just in the Uefa Cup but also in the Champions' League," Hammam added.

"I think we need one or two manoeuvres to do that and I think this time next year all of us will be participating in competitions in Wales that will allow us to go - potentially, if we succeed - into the Champions' League and the Uefa Cup.

"The ranking of Wales is not just down to how they do at international level but also club level. Frankly, it's only fair that Wales is represented (in European club competition) by its best clubs on a year-to-year basis whoever they may be.

"Wrexham, Swansea and ourselves, Merthyr and others should be allowed in Welsh competitions."

Sam comments yesterday prompted reaction fro Swansea, Wrexham and Newport County who were all concerned at Cardiff's possible withdrawl from the £100,000 competition. Todays comments from Sam should hopefully calm those waters.