FIFA reject Wales appeal
Thursday, July 3, 2003
Article summary
Wales's UEFA EURO 2004™ qualifier game with Serbia and Montenegro will remain classified as a 'friendly'.
Article body
Wales have failed in their appeal to have their UEFA EURO 2004™ qualifying game against Serbia and Montenegro reclassified as a competitive match.
Match postponed
The rearranged Group 9 game will take place in Belgrade on Wednesday 20 August. The match was scheduled to be played on Wednesday 2 April, but was postponed following the assassination of Serbo-Montenegrin Prime Minister Zoran Djindjic.
Friendly date
However, the new date has been put aside by FIFA for international friendlies, meaning that the Wales players will not be released by their clubs until 48 hours before the game.
Appeal rejected
Wales, the Group 9 leaders, had appealed to UEFA to support their attempt to have the date changed to competitive status and the European governing body made representations to FIFA. However, Wales's appeal was rejected on Wednesday.
