WELSH fans have been warned not to ruin what could be football's biggest day in the country for over half-a-century by encroaching onto the pitch.

Wales will qualify for a first major tournament since the 1958 World Cup by beating Israel in Cardiff on Sunday but the shadow over what happened in Andorra 12 months ago hangs over the national team.

Gareth Bale's late winner in the Pyrenees was greeted by a mini-pitch invasion of jubilant fans and the Football Association of Wales were subsequently fined £3,950 and warned by UEFA over the future behaviour of their supporters. Some fans also received banning orders.

And European football's governing body could impose various punishments - ranging from further fines, playing games behind closed doors and even a points deduction - should there be similar scenes in a sell-out Cardiff crowd on Sunday.

"UEFA do look upon these things quite poorly and we know there can be penalties if such things happen," FAW chief executive Jonathan Ford told WalesOnline.

"There is a range of disciplinary procedures and ultimately they do have the ability to take points away from teams or order games to be played behind closed doors.

"It goes without saying we do not want that to happen and potentially spoil what could be a great night.

"We want every single person at the stadium and across the country to enjoy the occasion and hopefully celebrate what could be a fantastic day in Welsh football, but all should remember to do it in the right spirit."