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UEFA rejected Gibraltar's application
FIFA & UEFA - 30 January, 2007
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The national associations of UEFA rejected the application for membership of the Gibraltar FA, a result of direct pressure by the Spanish Government and the Spanish Football Federation.
The Opposition was unhappy with that decision but it welcomed the support for Gibraltar from the English, Scottish and Welsh FA that voted in favour of Gibraltar's membership, without being asked to by the British Government.
The comments made by the President of the Spanish FA, Angel Maria Villar, added insult to injury.
"It is a political issue and since 1713 we have not found a political solution to this situation, because it is so difficult to resolve," said Villar.
The football federation was not in existence in 1713 and Villar's statement shows the objection to Gibraltar's membership is for political reasons and not sports related.
The landslide vote against Gibraltar's membership is proof of the powerful lobbying campaign that was carried out by the Spanish Government and the Spanish football authorities, and reflects the inactivity of the British Government to do anything to stop it.
The Opposition was unhappy with that decision but it welcomed the support for Gibraltar from the English, Scottish and Welsh FA that voted in favour of Gibraltar's membership, without being asked to by the British Government.
The comments made by the President of the Spanish FA, Angel Maria Villar, added insult to injury.
"It is a political issue and since 1713 we have not found a political solution to this situation, because it is so difficult to resolve," said Villar.
The football federation was not in existence in 1713 and Villar's statement shows the objection to Gibraltar's membership is for political reasons and not sports related.
The landslide vote against Gibraltar's membership is proof of the powerful lobbying campaign that was carried out by the Spanish Government and the Spanish football authorities, and reflects the inactivity of the British Government to do anything to stop it.
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