By Andrew Warshaw in Istanbul
March 21 – Welsh clubs playing in the English league will not be allowed to qualify for Europe by competing in their own domestic cup, UEFA ruled today.
The Football Association of Wales (FAW) had hoped that European football’s governing body would agree to allow the likes of Swansea City and Cardiff City to try and gain a berth in the Europa League by playing in the Welsh Cup instead of the FA Cup.
Though these teams used to be able to compete in Europe in the now defunct Cup Winners’ Cup by winning the Welsh Cup, they have been unable to do that since 1995.
FAW chief Jonathan Ford (pictured) came to Istanbul hoping to persuade UEFA to back his case but the Executive Committee threw it out, insisting the status quo had to be preserved.
“The Executive Committee decided to reject the request of Welsh clubs playing in the English leagues who wanted to qualify via the Welsh Cup,” said UEFA general secretary Gianni Infantino.
“You have to decide where you want to play.
“Many Welsh clubs play in England for historic reasons since the Welsh league did not exist.
“But if you decide to play in one country, this is your path to Europe.
“You cannot just play one competition here and one there.”
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