MARK Hughes and Welsh football chiefs last night hit back in the wake of FIFA's dramatic about turn over the infamous four-day ruling and told clubs: 'We were only protecting your players.'

After directions from world football's governing body, Hughes (pictured) had invoked the ruling - under FIFA Article 36 Section 5b - to stop five of his top stars from lining up for their clubs on the Sunday before Wales' Euro 2004 qualifying clash in Azerbaijan.

But yesterday bungling FIFA bosses realised there was a loop-hole for clubs that they had originally missed.

Article 36 paragraph 2c of the rules is an amendment to the regulations that states because the Baku showdown on Wednesday November 20 is a date set-aside for friendly internationals and not competitive fixtures, the four-day ruling does not apply.

Now Manchester United's Ryan Giggs, Celtic's John Hartson, Robbie Savage of Birmingham City, Everton's Mark Pembridge and Andy Melville of Fulham can play for their clubs just three days before the Welsh game.

Hughes' men were due to play in Azerbaijan on June 7 next year but the Welsh Football Association, after discussions with Hughes, switched the game to two weeks today for two reasons.

"In June, the temperature in Azerbaijan is 35 degrees centigrade in the shade," said FAW spokesman Ceri Stennett.

"And it would be a month after our football season ends so the players wouldn't be match-fit. Allowing players to play in that heat after a month's rest wouldn't help the clubs much either.

"So, despite not having the players four days before the Azerbaijan match, playing in November is still better than the alternative."

And Hughes himself fumed: "We were told by one of FIFA's top men that the date is irrelevant, it is the status of the match."

The Welsh boss is furious as this U-turn has left his preparations for the Group Nine clash in tatters, adding:

"The five lads won't be able to train with us now on Monday morning, which is the only quality training session we can have before flying out to Azerbaijan.

"Another problem is that if one of them picks up a niggling knock on the Sunday, then sits on a plane for six hours it could rule them out of the match.

"But we can do nothing about this back-track and we'll just have to accept FIFA's decision."

The Welsh FA, who are awaiting confirmation from FIFA today that the four-day ruling does not apply, accept "lessons will be learned", but point to the fact not even football's governing body had spotted this amendment until yesterday.

Birmingham midfielder Savage, one of the quintet caught in the middle of this club v country row, reassured Hughes and said: "Playing two games in four days will not be a problem for me.

"I'm delighted the issue has been sorted out. From the outset it was important for me to play for Birmingham and Wales.

"I've been caught in the middle so I just kept out of it and let the authorities sort this matter out. I'm glad common sense has prevailed."