Cardiff City will be allowed to participate in the UEFA Cup next season if they emerge victorious at the New Wembley in May.
After cruising past an ordinary Middlesbrough side at the Riverside, Dave Jones' men are now getting set to face Barnsley in a crucial semifinal encounter to determine which club books their rightful place at Wembley. West Brom and Portsmouth get set to lock horns in the other semifinal of the FA Cup.
According to the rules, Welsh sides would be prevented from representing England in European competition. Despite hailing from Wales, Cardiff still find themselves playing their way through the English leagues.
With some helpful interventionism by UEFA head man Michel Platini, the Bluebirds have been promised a spot in Europe if they were to succeed at Wembley come May.
"If England don't do anything [UEFA] will," said Platini.
"I think it is not normal that if [Cardiff] win then they're out. That's not natural and not so good."
FAW boss David Collins backed Platini's bid to bring Cardiff into Europe if they were to win the FA Cup.
“As far as we are concerned, this is the best way forward."
“I honestly think that if Cardiff were to win the FA Cup, Mr. Platini would follow up his words and genuinely put pressure on the FA to let them play in the UEFA Cup."
UEFA Boss Michel Platini Backs Cardiff City's Bid For Europe
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3 comments Last one added about 1 year ago — Leave a Comment
Andrew McNair about 1 year ago
I believe this is fair and just. If they're allowed to play in England, then they should be allowed to represent England.
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Anonymous about 1 year ago
I agree on the grounds that they play in english leagues so they should be allowed to represent english leagues in UEFA competition....but also, I have to question the wisdom of the FA allowing a side outside the premier league to enter a UEFA competition ahead of all the teams battling for a place through a league finish. I understand the desire to level the playing field in terms of TV revenue, but I have to wonder whether it is wise to harm the nation's chances of increasing continental reputation (and UEFA co-efficient) for that...maybe I'm just mad because a championship side could get into Europe ahead of Villa...meh.
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Bhavik Kshatriya about 1 year ago
I agree with Platini! If they go on to win! They deserve to play in Europe and also deserve to represent England! It's not their fault if they beat English teams like they don't even exist! They play to win something and so if they do go on to win the cup! I would like to see them competiting in Europe!
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