Gibraltar first applied for UEFA membership in 1999 .
Gibraltar first was rejected because of intense opposition from Spain due to the disputed status of Gibraltar and that the territory 's acceptance would inspire separatist Basque and Catalan national football teams to apply for membership as well .
Gibraltar first applied for UEFA membership in 1999 but was rejected because of intense opposition from Spain due to the disputed status of Gibraltar and that the territory 's acceptance would inspire separatist Basque and Catalan national football teams to apply for membership as well .