'Second time lucky for Gibraltar FA' - Graham Watson MEP

3.38.53pm GMT Fri 8th Dec 2006

Graham Watson, Liberal Democrat MEP for the South West and Gibraltar, has hailed today's decision by UEFA officials to grant Gibraltar FA provisional membership as one which will reverberate well beyond the footballing world.

Speaking following UEFA's decision today, Graham Watson MEP said:

"Today's decision marks a great step forward in Gibraltar's fight for recognition. The setback this October, when UEFA stalled provisional membership talks for Gibraltar thanks to some last minute accusations by the Spanish, was a blow to all involved. But it's second time lucky for Gibraltar FA, which makes this decision all the more gratifying. Of course I hope this decision will help pave the way for the Gibraltarian football team to compete on the world stage, as it justly deserves, but the importance of this decision stretches beyond the footballing world."

In October, UEFA officials meeting in Ljubljana, Slovenia, postponed the application by the Gibraltar FA for provisional membership when an eleventh hour challenge to this bid was presented by Spanish delegates.

Since July, when the Court of Arbitration for Sport awarded Gibraltar FA the right to gain provisional membership, UEFA has been bound to accept the application by the Gibraltar FA.