Football Association of Wales officials have admitted it may be some time until they find out from FIFA whether the four-day rule will be invoked for their August 20 fixture against Serbia and Montenegro.

The date is designated as an international friendly date, meaning Mark Hughes' players would only meet up two days before the game.

This could lead to injury problems and would also allow Hughes only one real day of preparation before the vital European 2004 qualifying game in Belgrade.

"We've submitted the proposal to FIFA and are just waiting to hear back from them," said FAW Press Officer Ceri Stennett.

"But to be honest with you, it is likely to be some months before we hear back. These things take time and it could be that we don't know until the start of the new season.

"We're obviously hopeful of getting the four-day rule implemented but it may well be that we have to settle for two."

The FAW have not been in contact with their Serbian counterparts but Stennett admits it is also in their interests to have the rule changed for the game.

He said: "If they've got members of their squad playing outside Serbia then it would also make sense for them to contact FIFA.

"But that is really up to them. We don't want a repeat of the Azerbaijan situation but it could be heading that way."

Meanwhile, some Wales football fans made the trip to Belgrade today although they won't be watching their country in action.

They booked the time off and paid for the trip before hearing of the postponement.

A total of 1,320 supporters bought tickets from the FAW and can't get their money back. "It is a very unfortunate situation," said Stennett.