FA Cave - Cardiff's route to Europe is open

If Cardiff City walk up those Wembley steps and lift the famous old trophy then their prize will be a place in Europe next season. However this should not be the case

As part of the deal that allows Cardiff and their fellow Welsh teams take part in the FA Cup, they know that if they won, Europe wouldn't await them. They've always been told that the English FA wouldn't nominate a non-member for one of their European spots, but this year of course, suddenly this rule came under the spotlight.

Cardiff's run to the final has been great for the game, the whole competition has been a breath of fresh air. Should they beat their Premiership opponents on May 17th they will have thoroughly earned the right to play in the UEFA Cup next season.

The problem is the rules are being changed mid-way through the competition. Surely this can't be the case? How would Cardiff feel if suddenly the FA decided that Jermain Defoe could play in the final despite being cup-tied?

Changing rules mid-way through any competition just isn't on. The FA said in a statement, ”The board has given full approval for Cardiff City to participate in next season’s UEFA Cup should they win this season’s FA Cup.”

Cardiff do deserve to make Europe should they win it but I just can't get over the fact that rules are being changed. Also in the English FA Cup final, the Welsh national anthem will be sung. I don't have too much of an issue with that but having read a few forums, then it seems many people do.

This is the showpiece event of the season for the FA and things aren't going to plan. None of the perceived 'big four' are there and now there are issues with two nations being represented in a national final. It has all the makings of a very poor day for the FA one way or the other.