Spanish FA Throws Wobbly

The Spanish FA is upset with the decision by the Court for the Arbitration of Sport (CAS) which states that Gibraltar should be allowed to compete in international football tournaments.

Spain says that the British territory is in fact Spanish and should not be an independent nation in sport's eyes.

RFEF President Angel Maria stated in the El Pais newspaper: "The Spanish state is charged with the task of defending our interests in this matter and it will present its arguments so that the CAS decision is not put into effect."

Last time Gibraltar tried in 2001 they failed because UEFA had adopted a membership rule that only countries recognised by the United Nations (UN) as independent states could become members.

In the past the Spanish authorities have stated that they'll pull their teams out of any competition where British nation's are participating. Although they haven't said that in relation to this particular incident.

However, Gibraltar was ceded to Britain under the 1713 Treaty of Utrecht - and now they want it back.

I take it they didn't like loosing to the British Northern Ireland?

More information about CAS.