WALES' Football League trio of Cardiff City, Swansea City and Wrexham are warning of potential legal action against UEFA as they make a renewed call to play in Europe.

The 'Let us back in' plea from the Big Three will be discussed in top-level talks next week after EVERY Euro avenue open to them was officially slammed shut.

The new move comes after English FA chairman Geoff Thompson wrote to FAW bosses to outline a formal new Soho Square written policy.

The English FA have discussed the Cardiff, Swansea, Wrexham issue in behind-closed-doors meetings in recent weeks.

And Thompson has told the FAW in a letter that the English FA ruled the Welsh trio will NEVER be put forward by them in the event of winning the Premiership, FA Cup or Carling Cup competitions that they play in.

Although that has always been widely believed to be the case, this is the first time the English FA have minuted such a policy.

The Welsh Big Three describe it as a significant moment and argue the FAW MUST let them back into Europe via either the Premier Cup, Welsh Cup or League of Wales.

Cardiff, Swansea and Wrexham have been barred from Europe, with UEFA saying they will only accept clubs playing in the Welsh pyramid system.

We understand that immediately upon receiving Thompson's letter, FAW chief David Collins flew to Switzerland to urge UEFA bigwigs to relent.

But he was told the Big Three will remain Euro outcasts - a situation described as 'grossly unfair' by the clubs.

The matter will be discussed in full at a meeting of the FAW's 28-man ruling council on Wednesday as they seek to thrash out a way forward.

Collins said, "Once the FAW members have debated the matter next week, I will have more to say."

But the FAW are coming under growing pressure from the league trio to act.

David Rhodes, who represents Cardiff, Swansea and Wrexham on the FAW Premier Cup board, said, "This letter from Geoff Thompson is significant news.

"Previously, there was a grey area surrounding our clubs getting into Europe in the event of winning one of the English competitions they play in.

"People could always fudge around this whole contentious issue as a result.

"Suddenly it is there in black and white - Cardiff, Swansea and Wrexham have no European avenue open to them, either in Wales or England."

He admitted, "That could ultimately lead to a potential restraint of trade court action (against UEFA)."

In a clear message to the FAW, Rhodes said, "As a result of these new developments, people either want to help us or they don't want to help."

Rhodes is calling for the FAW to nominate the winners of next season's Premier Cup for a European spot.

The FAW will discuss that proposal, plus whether they should bring the Big Three, as well as Newport, Merthyr and Colwyn Bay, back into the old Welsh Cup for next season.

Ken Tucker, chairman of the FAW's powerful management committee, said, "Clearly this is not an ideal situation.

"I would like to see if we can pursue this matter further on behalf of the clubs, if only for fairness."