Portsmouth have indicated they will accept the FA's decision to revoke Cardiff's European ban - if the Bluebirds beat them at Wembley.According to long-standing FA rules, Welsh clubs cannot represent England in Europe - even though Cardiff, Swansea and Wrexham are also barred from entering the Welsh FA Cup.
Now, following a recommendation by the FA's Professional Game Board earlier this week, moves are under way to change all that.
The Board have recommended existing laws be altered in time to allow Cardiff entry to the UEFA Cup should they beat Pompey on May 17 and it is expected to be endorsed at the FA Main Board's monthly meeting next Thursday.
UEFA, who govern European football, would also have to approve the plans but their willingness to do so would leave Pompey needing to finish fifth in the Premier League to make the UEFA Cup should they be beaten at Wembley.
Top Pompey officials including manager Harry Redknapp have refused so far to be quoted on the issue, but the club's director of communications Gary Double told the Portsmouth News: "Obviously that will be the FA's decision. It is something which is out of our hands.
"At this moment in time all we are interested in is winning the cup. That is the main thing we are focusing on."
The decision rests with 12 representatives from the professional and grass-roots games, including FA chairman Lord Triesman and chief executive Brian Barwick.
And FA spokesman Andrin Cooper said: "This rule is an historical understanding, but with Cardiff's progress this season it has been decided to look at this situation afresh."
Portsmouth's stance appears to indicate they would not take steps through the courts to challenge such a decision, despite the potential finance at stake through participation in the UEFA Cup.
They know the solution is simple - beat Championship side Cardiff at Wembley and cement their own first European campaign - or finish fifth in the league, a prospect which would be considerably advanced with their 14th away win of the season at Manchester City on Sunday.
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