Slovakia v Wales Statement

Following the Slovakian FA statement published to their website on Sunday, 22 September detailing the UEFA Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body decision to close their stadium for the upcoming match between Slovakia and Wales in Trnava on 10 October, the Football Association of Wales has been seeking clarification on the decision directly from UEFA.

UEFA has confirmed the sanction to the FAW this morning (23 September) that Slovakia are to play one match behind closed doors, therefore, the European Qualifying match at the ŠtadiónAntonaMalatinského on 10 October.

UEFA has advised that the sanctions detailed in Article 73 of the UEFA Disciplinary Regulations (detailed below) will apply.

The FAW is incredibly disappointed as the impact of this decision will harshly affect our supporters who have already incurred the costs of travel and accommodation to attend this match to support the Wales National Team.

The FAW is currently making strong representations to UEFA about this unfair impact on the 2,137 fans who have purchased tickets for this match. Our supporters have an excellent reputation and do not deserve to be punished in the same way as the small section of the fans whose conduct has been reprimanded by the imposed UEFA sanction.

The FAW is also deeply frustrated in the communication of this decision to the association, which has generated a lot of unfair frustration and uncertainty for the association and the supporters.

UEFA has advised that the FAW is unable to appeal against the decision not to allow Wales fans into the stadium.

The FAW understands that the Slovakian FA intend on submitting an appeal against the decision of the UEFA Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body and will continuously monitor the situation.