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Last Updated: Thursday, 12 February, 2004, 14:38 GMT
Uefa sets Wales appeal date
Wales manager Mark Hughes
Manager Mark Hughes will argue Wales' case in person
Wales' appeal against Uefa's decision not to throw Russia out of the Euro 2004 will be heard on Friday, 19 March.

The Football Association of Wales want the Russians punished for Egor Titov's failed drug test after the goalless first leg of November's play-off.

Wales' original complaint was dismissed by Uefa's disciplinary committee, but the FAW believe they can argue a strong case for that decision to be reversed.

The FAW will be given a personal hearing before Uefa's appeals body.

Secretary general David Collins and manager Mark Hughes, backed up by their legal and medical experts, will attend the hearing in Switzerland to argue their case.

Hughes was particularly scathing in his criticism for Uefa's failure to make Russia accountable for Titov's offence.

"Uefa had the opportunity to make a stand against drug taking in our sport, and they have failed to do so," said Hughes.

"I will be part of the team that goes to the hearing and will address the committee myself."

Uefa said they had rejected Wales' original appeal on two grounds:

  • Wales failed to prove Titov was under the influence of a performance enhancing drug in the second-leg,
  • and teams are not liable when one member commits a doping offence.

    Titov has been banned for 12 months and fined after testing positive for anti-fatigue drug bromantan.

    Something has happened to effect the outcome of a game
    Wales manager Mark Hughes
    Hughes added: "We intend to take this all the way, and if we fail this time we will consider going to the European sports arbitration body.

    "Why should we not do this? Anybody else would do the same. For too long we have maybe felt that we are only Wales so what we say will not make a difference.

    "But that is not the case now, we have made people sit up and take notice on the pitch and now we aim to do the same off it as well.

    "Logistics of ticket sales, hotels booked, draws made, should not come into it.

    "Yugoslavia dropped out in '92 and Denmark came off the beach to win the tournament and just took over their fixtures, so there is no need for a re-draw.

    "I hope these things did not come into the thinking of the panel. This is a moral issue.

    "Something has happened to effect the outcome of a game, so whatever the consequences the right decision should be made."






  • WATCH AND LISTEN
    FAW secretary general David Collins
    "There are certain things in Uefa's decision that have given us hope"




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