UEFA have offered to look into the possibility of giving Cardiff City a wildcard entry into Europe if they win the FA Cup.
Under current Football Association rules, Cardiff would not be eligible for the Uefa Cup as Welsh clubs only qualify through their own domestic competitions.
But Cardiff, who face Portsmouth on 17 May and are affiliated to the English FA, may be given a lifeline by Uefa.
“Our president has asked the executive committee to look at the possibility of a wildcard,” Uefa spokesman William Gaillard told BBC Sport.
Gaillard confirmed that there is a lot of sympathy for the Welsh side within European football’s governing body.
“From our point of view it would be sad if they win the FA Cup and cannot compete in Europe,” he said.
“So we will be suggesting this to the executive committee. There is a lot of sympathy for Cardiff and I would expect it to go their way.”
Prior to Sunday’s semi-final, the FA had already said it would examine the rule preventing Cardiff qualifying for Europe.
“The FA is considering its position on European qualification for the winners of the FA Cup,” said a spokesman.
“Historically, the understanding of the FA has been that Welsh clubs were ineligible for the Uefa Cup should they win the FA Cup.
“The question of eligibility for Welsh clubs has not arisen for many years so it is only now appropriate for us to look at the issue afresh.
“At this time, there has been no definitive decision taken as far as this year’s FA Cup is concerned.
“The FA has contacted Uefa and the Football Association of Wales [FAW] to ascertain their views. We are aware of the comments expressed by Uefa president Michel Platini this week.”
