World Footy News

Preparations for this year's EU Cup in Samobor, Croatia are well underway, with 12 sides having confirmed by the July 1st deadline. Aussie Rules Europe have capped the final squad number at 16 national teams.

Reportedly on the list so far for Europe's 9-a-side Championships are Central Europe's Austria, Czech Republic and hosts Croatia, in addition to fellow continental Europeans Spain, Catalonia, France, Germany, Finland and the Netherlands.

From the British Isles, Scotland and the reigning champions England Dragonslayers have confirmed.

The most surprising announcement is the exciting news of a confirmation of attendance from Russia - a country so far unknown to the international footy scene. WFN will have some information on this development as soon as we know more!

It's still an open race who will fill the final four places, with previous champions Sweden not yet locked in, nor the Welsh who are still to make their EU Cup debut despite playing a number of tests against the Dragonslayers in recent times. The newer squads from Iceland and Norway have also indicated an interest in coming.

The usual EU Cup conference will this year feature a meeting with AFL Europe's Gerard Murphy. While this reporter is merely speculating about what is on the agenda, I'll be optimistic that this will see steps towards greater collaboration between all sides in Europe and the creation of a European governing body.

Our readers will also be very interested to hear if there is any further discussion about an 18-a-side championship under full IC rules in future, featuring the big guns of Ireland, Denmark, British Bulldogs or possibly even the Peres Peace Team.