13/5/2004

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has dismissed the appeal filed by the Football Association of Wales (FAW) against the decision of the UEFA Appeals Body of 19 March 2004 rejecting FAW application in relation to the play-off qualifying match for the Euro 2004 between Wales and Russia.

Further to the positive doping test of the Russian player Egor Titov (who has been suspended by UEFA for one year), the FAW requested that the first and/or second legs of this play-off match be awarded to Wales 3-0 and/or that Russia be disqualified from Euro 2004 and be replaced by Wales.

On 10 April 2004, the FAW filed an appeal with the CAS in order to challenge the UEFA decision of 19 March 2004. Considering that this case could potentially affect the organisation of the Euro 2004 Final Round in Portugal, the CAS initiated an expedited procedure in order to have this case heard as early as possible.

This matter has been submitted to a CAS Panel composed of Prof Michael Geistlinger (Austria), President Mr. Peter Leaver QC (England) and Prof Massimo Coccia (Italy). A hearing took place on 12 May 2004 at The CAS Headquarters in Lausanne on the occasion of which the Counsels for both parties and two witnesses have been heard by the Panel.

Although informed of the existence of this arbitration, the Football Union of Russia did not participate in the procedure.

After deliberation, the CAS Panel has decided to accept its jurisdiction to hear the FAW appeal but has dismissed the appeal on the merits.

Contrary to the opinion of the FAW, the Panel has considered that the Football Union of Russia, could not be assimilated to an £accomplice or Abettor£ of Egor Titov under the terms of the UEFA Disciplinary Regulations and consequently could not be sanctioned.

Source:	Football Association of Wales
	Web Link