Wales are expecting to find out later today whether they will lose star midfielder Ryan Giggs for their biggest match of the last 45 years.
Russia have made official protests to UEFA that the Manchester United player elbowed defender Vadim Evseev during Saturday's controversial Euro 2004 play-off first-leg draw in Moscow.
The Welsh have since claimed they believe Russian players deliberately targeted Giggs during the goalless draw. Giggs himself claimed an tackle by Evseev seconds before the alleged elbowing incident was "the worst tackle I have had to contend with at any time during my career".
Now the Football Association of Wales are awaiting a decision by UEFA as to whether Giggs has a case to answer and if he will be available as the Welsh look to secure their place in the finals of a major tournament for the first time since the 1958 World Cup.
The Russians say they have sent video evidence to UEFA, but officials at their Swiss headquarters yesterday confirmed no tape had yet reached them and Wales believe the midfielder will be free to take his place in Mark Hughes's side at the Millennium Stadium tomorrow night.
"Certainly the tackle Ryan suffered was an absolute disgrace and he is fortunate not to have been very seriously injured." an FA of Wales spokesman said. "We will vigorously defend Ryan if the situation arises. We would certainly not sit back and just accept a ban.
"We have been told by UEFA that they will be investigating Russia's claims, and in the unlikely event of him being banned from the second leg, we would appeal immediately."