Blatter backs Wales' 'Big Three' for European competition

FIFA president Sepp Blatter has given his backing to letting the 'Big Three' Welsh clubs represent Wales in European competition.

Blatter said the current rules that ban all three from representing Wales in the Champions League and UEFA Cup were "not fair." Cardiff , Swansea and Wrexham have been left out of European play since 1995.

The current UEFA rules state that only teams playing within the boundaries of their national association are eligible to represent them. Therefore only sides playing within the Welsh Premier League are eligible to represent Wales.

All three clubs play in the English Football League.

Blatter said he will support any attempts by Wales' three premier clubs to force their way back onto the European stage.

"Although as the head of FIFA I cannot directly intervene in a matter between Wales, England and UEFA, as a footballer I would support their case," Blatter told Wales Sunday. "I have a lot of sympathy for these clubs who should be able to play in the European competitions. The situation at the moment is something that is not fair."

The Football Association of Wales (FAW) has constantly unsuccessfully petitioned UEFA for a change in the rules. But the FAW has also turned down the three in trying to field a second side in the domestic league as a means to represent Wales.

Cardiff's success in the Championship this season could pose a dilemma for the game's administrators, if the club wins promotion to the Premier League.

If Cardiff managed to reach a major cup final, the FA would come under pressure to nominate the club as a representative for the UEFA Cup.

The FA has always previously stated that it would only nominate English clubs.

Wales had many momentous occasions in Europe, including Cardiff's defeat of Real Madrid at Ninian Park in 1971 in the Winner's Cup and Wrexham's win over Portuguese Porto in 1984.

Source: euFootball.BIZ © Copyright 2006 - All rights reserved.