Chelsea boss Roberto di Matteo admits they're angry over the FA's snub to shift the Cup semifinal so to accommodate their Champions League chances. Blues secretary Dave Barnard, an FA councillor, had asked for the Wembley clash to be played on the night of Friday, April 13.

But the FA yesterday confirmed the game would be played at 6pm on Sunday - just three days before a potential Champions League semi-final against Barcelona or AC Milan.

Di Matteo admitted: "We are angry and disappointed. We've tried to co-operate with the FA and given them our point of view, but it seems that it's not really been taken into consideration.

"If you look at the other European federations, they give you the best possible preparation, playing games a day earlier because that extra 24 hours makes a big difference.

"This year we are looking at one English club left in the quarter-finals of European competition.

"It doesn't reflect well on England, the Premier League or the FA.

"It's in everyone's interests for our clubs to get further in the Champions League - the Premier League, the clubs for UEFA ranking points, for the whole country.

"How much did they involve us in this decision? Not much. You should know that."