"The FA was first asked by Newcastle United to clarify the situation with Lee Bowyer in October 2003. The FA immediately contacted UEFA to seek clarification of Bowyer’s status, as happens on a regular basis concerning players with English clubs competing in Europe.

“If Newcastle United had consulted The FA earlier, The FA would of course have sought clarification from UEFA at that time.

"Given the wording of UEFA's competition regulations, The FA was equally surprised at UEFA's interpretation of the situation and therefore gave its full support to Newcastle United's appeal, including making representations at UEFA headquarters in Nyon.

“The FA believes that the rules on eligibility are ambiguous and should not be open to differing interpretations, and are continuing to make this position clear to UEFA.”