Where did you hear this? because i can see the lebanon and Italy being very unhappy.

Heard from someone who was heavily involved in the European Cup, Bowl and Shield last year. Was also involved in the Four Nations to a lesser extent.

why?

I hope that this isnt true, after the farce which left Serbia rightly feeling aggrieved last time I could understand the questioning of Italys ability to compete, but the Euro nations is actually in my opinion the best international tournament rugby league has put together in years, nothing to do with crowds, financial rewards or TV coverage, the fact of the matter is that the Euro nations represents the only real chance of an underdog doing something special in international rugby league.

We seeded the challenge cup.

But could you imagine for instance, Serbia or lebanon putting a team together capable of making the 4 nations, imagine the publicity in those countries to have a team which would be competing on the top stage.

It wasnt all that long ago that labanon played infront of a full house in tripoli with massive coverage, the euro nations leaves something to be admired, however slim, the chances of something special happening against all odds.

Maybe it's to do with costs. Ideally I'd like to see Serbia, Lebanon, Italy (once their domestic set-up is strong), Ireland, Wales and Scotland competing in the European Cup.
England and France in a Five Nations competition with Australia, New Zealand and PNG.