Stars get nod for play-offs

ENGLISH football bosses have assured Coca-Cola League clubs they will be able to field their World Cup stars in this season’s play-offs.

With the Championship play-off final due to take place on May 21 and Leagues One and Two’s a week later, FIFA’s statement that players selected for their countries’ World Cup squads would be barred from club games after May 15 provoked panic among league clubs.

But the Football League and the FA are confident players would not be penalised by FIFA’s ruling.

“The FA have assured us there is an understanding in place with FIFA that will enable players to play in the Championship play-offs,” said a Football League spokesman.

FIFA have said they would make an exception for the Champions League final on May 17, but made no mention of the play-offs.