Cardiff City will have to appeal to Uefa if they want to play in Europe next season because the Coca-Cola Championship club will not be entered into the Uefa Cup if they win the FA Cup.

In that event, the FA will put forward the runners-up of the competition as its representative. Uefa said yesterday that Cardiff would not be allowed to take one of the four European places awarded to the FA of Wales because they do not play in its competitions, but European football's governing body said that Cardiff could appeal.

After reaching the FA Cup semi-finals, where they will face Barnsley at Wembley, Cardiff return to the league against Hull City tonight. Cardiff are not out of the running for the play-offs places, but, having not won in their past six league matches, they must avoid being dragged into the relegation area.

“Too many points have slipped away over the last six games,” Stephen McPhail, the Cardiff midfield player, said. “It's been a disappointing run for everybody and a home game against Hull City gives us a chance to do something about that. We are still within reach of the play-off places. While there is even the glimmer of hope - and there is still a decent chance - we will focus on that.”

McPhail believes that Cardiff can pick up points from the next four matches, three of which are at home, before the Cup semi-final against his former club. “There are an awful lot of points available and we must do everything possible to collect as many as we possibly can,” he said.

“It's a dream of every footballer to walk out at Wembley. I've played at the Millennium Stadium, but not Wembley Stadium. I have some great friends at Barnsley from my two years with the club and it will be a massive event for Cardiff City, but all that has to wait.”