Uefa has dealt a blow to Welsh hopes of overturning the decision to allow Russia to play at Euro 2004, despite a Russian player failing a drugs test. It has ruled that none of Wales' witnesses can give evidence in person at Friday's hearing in Switzerland.
Uefa has also refused the Football Association of Wales permission to cross-examine its scientific witness.
"We are disappointed," FAW Secretary General David Collins said. "We wanted every opportunity to present our case."
Collins added: "Despite the setback, our case is very well prepared and we are confident that we will present evidence which will make it very difficult for Uefa to justifiably resist our claim."
The FAW wants the Russians punished for Egor Titov's failed drug test after the goalless first leg of November's play-off, but the original complaint was dismissed by Uefa's disciplinary committee.
Uefa said it had rejected the case on two grounds:
Wales failed to prove Titov was under the influence of a performance-enhancing drug in the second-leg Teams are not liable when one member commits a doping offence. Titov has been banned for 12 months and fined after testing positive for the anti-fatigue drug bromantan.
Wales have already suggested that, should their Uefa appeal fail, they will take the case to the Court for Arbitration in Sport.
MMIX
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