6 Jun 2008England's grade A victory confirmed

Football Leagues/ Association and Governance

England's victory over Trinidad and Tobago last weekend has been officially recognised by Fifa.

Football's governing body had threatened to downgrade the status of the game from an A international after England used seven substitutes - one more than the allowed maximum.

However, England officials claimed the decision to use seven substitutes had already been ratified by Fifa, Trinidad & Tobago representative Jack Warner, the Fifa delegate for the game and the match referee.

Fifa disputes this claim, but apportions the blame to the match referee rather than England - meaning the match will not be downgraded.

"Fifa can confirm it did not give special dispensation to make up to seven substitutions at the Trinidad & Tobago v England friendly match played on Sunday 1 June 2008," Fifa said in a statement.

"The referee of this match confirmed to Fifa that he received no instruction to allow for such a special dispensation, but that it had been a mistake by the referee.

"As Fifa has received no official protest regarding this match, it shall be considered as an official match."

This means Dean Ashton, Joe Hart, Phil Jagielka and Stephen Warnock have all had their first full caps confirmed.

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