| The news yesterday that Uefa President Michael Plantini would intervene if Cardiff City were refused entry into Europe has brought a staement from the FA today. |
Obviously Cardiff City haven't won anything yet that would mean potential European qualification but a victory over Barnsley would make it a real possibility.
I've believed that if we play in the English system we should be allowed to qualify for Europe if we win a Cup or finish top 6 of the Premier League. Never did I think we might actually do it. So I'm all for a review and possible inclusion via the English system. This would have a great bearing on potential future investors in the club who know that we have a way into the Uefa Cup / Champions League, however distant that dream maybe.
The backing of Cardiff's cause by Michel Platini yesterday has rompted the FA to "review" the situation.The FA is considering its position on European qualification for the winners of the FA Cup," said a spokesman today. "Historically, the understanding of the FA has been that Welsh clubs were ineligible for the Uefa Cup should they have won the FA Cup. "The question of eligibility for Welsh clubs has not arisen for many years so it is only now appropriate for us to look at the issue afresh. "At this time, there has been no definitive decision taken as far as this year's FA Cup is concerned. "The FA has contacted Uefa and the Football Association of Wales to ascertain their views. We are aware of the comments expressed by Uefa president Michel Platini this week."
Dave Jones was pleased with Plaini's intervention but there's the not so small matter of facing Barnsley first.
"It is nice of Platini to say that he will do that," said Jones. "If we do fulfil the dream and bring the cup back to Cardiff I am sure there will be a lot of people with a lot to say about the situation, but we have a tough game against Barnsley to think about before any of that." |
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