Though the decision must be ratified by the FA's main board next Thursday, the five Premier League and Football League delegates on the professional game board also sit on that executive body. It is therefore unlikely that the full 12-man body will stand in the way of the move.
Not only does it now seem certain Cardiff City will get a Uefa Cup place if they win the FA Cup but it appears that they could still represent the FA in Europe if Pompey finish 5th in the table, Cardiff could be in Europe if they win or lose the game at Wembley.
Initially the FA rejected Cardiff as representatives but high profile backing of the club by Uefa President Michael Platini has made the FA sit up and take note.
There are still i's to dot and t's to cross but we are the closest we've been to playing in Europe since our route was blocked 15 years ago.