New UEFA ruling allows fans to attend Slovakia-Wales game

NYON, Switzerland (AP) — A UEFA appeal ruling has paved the way for Wales fans to attend a European Championship qualifying game in Slovakia.

UEFA says its appeal body upheld an appeal by the Slovakia soccer federation against a stadium closure ordered for alleged “racist behavior” by fans at a qualifier in Hungary this month.

UEFA says its disciplinary panel verdict has been amended to just a fine of 15,000 euros ($16,400) for “provocative political messages.” Slovakia was previously fined 20,000 euros ($22,000).

Slovakia can now open the stadium in Trnava when Wales visits on Oct. 10.

The Welsh federation said last week after the initial ruling that it would make “strong representations” so that 2,137 fans who had bought tickets could attend.

It noted that “our supporters have an excellent reputation and do not deserve to be punished in the same way as the small section of the (Slovakia) fans whose conduct has been reprimanded.”