Source: SKY_Sports
Hodgson unhappy with Uefa
Roy Hodgson has criticised Uefa's decision to reject Fulham's request to add Pascal Zuberbuhler to their squad for the Europa League.
Fulham overcame Basel 1-0 at home on Thursday night in their second group game, but did not have cover for Mark Schwarzer on the bench.
David Stockdale, who has recently filled in for Schwarzer, was injured along with the two young keepers on the club's B-list.
Ahead of the game, Hodgson asked Uefa for dispensation to
register Zuberbuhler to enable the veteran Swiss shot-stopper to be on the bench against Basel.
Uefa turned down Fulham's request and Hodgson is baffled by the decision as he prepares to face Roma later this month with a similar situation on his hands.
DisputeHodgson said: "Uefa refused our request to replace the injured Stockdale with Zuberbuhler on the basis they didn't think the injury was sufficiently long term.
"It wouldn't have been so bad if the two 18-year-old keepers we had weren't injured as well. But Mark Schwarzer, who played, and Zuberbuhler are our only fit keepers.
"It's a decision we dispute. We think the game would be denigrated if an outfield player was in goal because your keeper became injured.
"Uefa want to make the league stronger and more prestigious so I don't understand this decision. We protested and appealed but they stuck firm by their decision.
"With any luck Stockdale will be fit for the next game against Roma but there's no guarantee. If he isn't we could be in the same situation again.
"In the meantime we must thank our lucky stars Schwarzer wasn't injured and Zoltan Gera didn't have to put the gloves on, which he was looking forward to but I wasn't."
