INSIDE SPORT: Welsh clubs playing in England see European ambitions hit a snag, why Enzo Maresca keeps changing outfits, and FIFA refuse to U-turn on Lionel Messi decision

• e-mail

The attempt by Welsh football clubs playing in English leagues to enter the Welsh League Cup — in which a place in Europe is up for grabs to the winners — has run into difficulties.

Inside Sport understands that the controversial move, which one exec claimed was those involved attempting to ‘have their Welsh cake and eat it’, recently went to the Professional Game Board. 

It had been hoped that the board would give the plan, which would see Swansea, Cardiff, Wrexham and Newport enter the competition, the thumbs-up.

However, instead of the green light, representatives from the board raised a series of red flags.

Chief among their concerns were the potential impact on the fixture schedule — should a side compete in UEFA’s Conference League — and the unfair advantage extra revenues gained from competing in Europe could deliver.

Wrexham are amongst the Welsh clubs vying to play in the Welsh League Cup where a place in Europe is up for grabs

It had been hoped that the Professional Game Board would give the plan, which would see Swansea , Cardiff , Wrexham and Newport enter the competition, the thumbs-up

As a result, the FA — which would need to give approval — is continuing talks with various stakeholders, including the EFL and the Premier League.

Some feel the attempt should be given short shrift, especially after the prospect of sharing additional revenues was swiftly shot down when it was raised on a recent call between clubs.

Chelsea's post-match fashion change

They have always been dedicated followers of fashion down the King’s Road, but Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca appears to be taking it to new levels. The Italian has been performing costume changes after a number of European matches, much to the amusement of the watching press corps. 

There is, however, method in the madness. Maresca reflects on the game, post-match, before holding a separate press conference to preview the next Premier League fixture.

Club officials, videoing the summits, hastily change the backdrops and hand coats to the boss to make it look different for those watching at home.

Meanwhile, there appeared to be a spot of ‘bah humbug’ at Stamford Bridge earlier this week when Enzo Fernandez and Cole Palmer took part in a shoot for a very worthy homelessness campaign for Christmas, set up by the club. 

Fernandez snubbed a Christmas quiz, while Palmer had ‘absolutely none of’ reading a joke from a Christmas cracker, according to presenter Olivia Buzaglo.

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca appears to be taking his fashion changes after European games to new levels

Paralympian sprinter fumes at luxury brand 

Sprinter Zac Shaw was quick to take to social media after luxury hamper brand Fortnum and Mason shunned his fellow Paralympians following a Buckingham Palace ceremony last week. 

The 29-year-old asked why they only invited Olympic medallists to their subsequent after party and not those who won medals at the Paralympics. Fortnums responded that there would be a ‘separate reception for Paralympians’ which would be ‘announced soon’. 

‘I actually feel like this response makes it worse,’ tweeted Shaw. Quite. 

Sprinter Zac Shaw (left) was quick to take to social media after luxury hamper brand Fortnum and Mason shunned his fellow Paralympians

Shaw revealed he has been contacted by the luxury brand who had explained their actions

England's outcast price slash

A glance at the official England Store provides an interesting barometer of who’s hot and who’s not when it comes to the Three Lions. Prices have been slashed on a host of figurines with Raheem Sterling available for just £4 — a saving of close to 50 per cent. 

Fellow outcast Kalvin Phillips can also be picked up for four quid, although buyers would need to be quick as models of the on-loan Ipswich man are ‘almost gone’. 

And he may have only left in the summer, but Gareth Southgate’s figurine can also be grabbed for the same price, as can Marcus Rashford’s. 

He may have only left this summer nut figurines of Gareth Southgate are now available for £4

FIFA won't U-turn on Lionel Messi 

FIFA has no plans to U-turn on their decision to include Inter Miami in their Club World Cup next year, despite the shock exit of Lionel Messi’s side from the MLS’s play-offs.

In a seemingly transparent move that raised eyebrows, president Gianni Infantino announced three weeks ago that the Florida outfit, complete with their megastar, would take the ‘host nation’s slot’ after they won the MLS Supporters’ Shield, awarded to the side with the best record in the Eastern and Western Conferences.

However, Inter’s defeat by Atlanta United on Saturday means whoever becomes the US champ will not take part.