Wales lose out over loophole
Tuesday, November 5, 2002
Article summary
Five Welsh stars have been cleared to play for their clubs the weekend before the Group 9 tie in Azerbaijan.
Article body
Hughes insistence
Ryan Giggs, Mark Pembridge, Robbie Savage, Andy Melville and John Hartson had been expected to miss their league games that Sunday, with Wales manager Mark Hughes insisting on bringing his squad together the Saturday evening before the EURO 2004™ qualifier in Azerbaijan on 20 November.
FIFA amendment
FIFA said on Monday night that Hughes was within his rights to do so, but today a FIFA spokesman confirmed that an amendment had been incorporated into existing statutes, declaring that on non-competitive matchdays, players could only be called up 48 hours in advance. Wales's Group 9 tie in the Azeri capital Baku is on a date designated for international friendlies.
Club calls
Manchester United FC winger Giggs, midfield players Pembridge and Savage from Everton FC and Birmingham City FC, Fulham FC defender Melville and Celtic FC striker Hartson will now be available to play in the English Premiership and Scottish Premier League that weekend. Wales top Group 9 after wins against Finland and Italy.
