European soccer's governing body UEFA said on Tuesday it could allow Azerbaijan to compete in EURO 2004 qualifying matches despite the country's suspension from international competition by FIFA

However, UEFA insisted it was not challenging FIFA and would not resort to such measures without "closely consulting" with the world soccer body. Last week, FIFA suspended Azerbaijan from international matches because of ongoing government interference in the national soccer association's business. FIFA said the ban meant Azerbaijan was no longer permitted to take part in any friendly or competitive games until further notice - including Euro 2004 qualifying matches. At the time, UEFA's Executive Committee said it would honor the ban. But in a statement on its website on Tuesday, UEFA said it told the associations concerned that its Executive Committee would be entitled to lift Azerbaijan's suspension from EURO 2004 qualifying competition "at any time" if Azerbaijan's soccer situation improved in the coming weeks and months. Azerbaijan is playing in Group 9 of EURO 2004 qualifying competition, along with Finland, Serbia and Montenegro, Italy and Wales. Its next qualifying match at home to Serbia and Montenegro is scheduled on June 11. FIFA and UEFA have been attempting to resolve the Azerbaijan crisis, and the suspension was imposed after FIFA ruled that the terms of an agreement signed in Zurich last September had not been honored. In the agreement, the Azerbaijani government authorities had promised to allow AFFA to conduct its business on its own, unhindered.