heartbreak

The dreams of Fulham FC fans that their team might lift the Europa cup are in tatters this evening after the beaten semi-finalists ganged together and declared themselves the winner of the trophy. Under an obscure sub-section of FIFA rules the holders of the trophy may, provided they have reached the semi-finals of the competition, seek to form an alliance with the other beaten semi-finalist and lay claim to the trophy without actually having to win the final game.

Fierce negotiations are continuing through the night behind closed doors to try to resolve the impasse. More news is expected in the morning.