Wales lose Euro 2004 appeal

Wales have failed in their bid to have Russia ejected from Euro 2004 after midfielder Yegor Titov featured in the play-off against them having produced a positive drugs test.

The Football Association of Wales took their case to the UEFA Appeals Body after Titov tested positive for the banned substance bromantan following the first leg of their Euro 2004 qualifying play-off.

Welsh football chiefs claimed that they should be awarded the play-off place because Titov, now serving a 12-month ban, failed a drugs test following a 0-0 draw in the play-off first leg in Moscow.

European football’s governing body had already rejected the claim once and their Appeals Body has confirmed that decision.

“The Appeals Body based its decision in particular on the failure by the Welsh FA to present evidence of any implication of the Football Union of Russia in the alleged doping infringement, the occurrence of which was not established,” said a UEFA statement.

“Furthermore, the Appeals Body mentioned that the relevant UEFA regulations do not provide for a provision under which a team may be punished in the event of one of its players being tested positive.”