Fans raise concerns over recent talks of Welsh EFL clubs entering the Welsh League Cup as a route to qualifying for European football.
The proposal for Welsh EFL clubs (Cardiff, Swansea, Wrexham and Newport) to enter the Welsh League Cup, currently known as the Nathaniel MG Cup, is a strategic move to enhance their chances of qualifying for European football competition. The winners would secure a place in the European Conference League.
They will however sacrifice the right to qualify through English competitions should they ever go on to win English cup finals or finish in the European qualifying spots in the Premier League.
Now a national body for football supporters have revealed that there are “broad” concerns over those plans.
The FSA has consulted with its membership about plans to allow Welsh teams in the English pyramid to compete in the Welsh League Cup.https://t.co/R7e82aDhMH
— The FSA (@WeAreTheFSA) January 8, 2025
FSA STATEMENT:
The FSA has consulted with its membership about plans to allow Welsh teams in the English pyramid to compete in the Welsh League Cup.
In recent months, the Welsh clubs in the EFL have been in discussions with the football authorities about a “transformational” change which would see them enter the Welsh League Cup, the winners of which would earn a place in the UEFA Conference League.
Cardiff City, Swansea City, Wrexham and Newport County play in the English pyramid and are currently only able to qualify for European competitions via the Premier League, FA Cup or the EFL’s League Cup.
Although the clubs would continue to play league football in the English leagues, this change would mean sacrificing their ability to qualify for Europe via English competitions – Swansea City were the last Welsh side to achieve this, qualifying for the Europa League after winning the League Cup back in 2013.
The proposal – known as Prosiect Cymru – has been presented to UEFA, the English FA, Premier League and clubs in the Cymru Premier.
As the national membership organisation for football supporters, the FSA has also been consulting supporters at clubs in both the EFL and Welsh league system about the proposals and have submitted feedback to the FA, ahead of the FA Board deciding whether to endorse the proposal in the coming weeks.
FSA chair Tom Greatrex said: “Our view is that there would have been greater value for the clubs and authorities involved in this consideration had there been some level of prior consultation with supporters.
“While there are mixed views amongst supporters on different aspects and potential consequences of this proposal being adopted, there is a broad level of concern for the potential implications for both Welsh and English EFL clubs which might arise.”
Tom urged the FA to give serious consideration to the views of supporters before implementing the proposals and pledged constructive involvement from the FSA in future consultation.
A date for the decision on the proposals has not been published.
Newport County chairman Huw Jenkins meanwhile has backed plans, saying to BBC Radio Wales Breakfast: “We can’t lose sight of the fact that we are affiliated to the EFL. We have been for many, many years, like all the clubs.
“The majority of our funding at the minute comes from the EFL, the same as Swansea, Cardiff and Wrexham.
“Obviously that has to be the number one priority, but then taking into account that for the good of Welsh football, if this could move forward in a positive way, I think everybody could be a winner out of it.”
When asked whether he would like to see Prosiect Cymru come to fruition, Jenkins added: “I think we all like to play the Welsh clubs in a competition, whether it was in the EFL or in a cup competition in Wales. I think that’s a good thing.
“But I do understand some of the thoughts from the other EFL clubs about getting a financial advantage over others.
“If we can get it moving forward for the good of Welsh football, I think it would be a great thing.”
The proposal provides a direct route to European football, which is particularly appealing due to the financial and competitive benefits of European participation.
Participation in European competitions could significantly boost club revenues through prize money, broadcasting rights, and sponsorships, not to mention the prestige and experience gained from international matches.
Not only does it have so many benefits for these clubs, but the proposal includes redistributing financial gains to enhance grassroots football, women’s football, and domestic leagues in Wales, aiming to lift the entire Welsh football ecosystem.
Discussions have been held with UEFA, the Football Association, the Premier League, and domestic Welsh clubs to put this change in place.
This move requires navigating complex football governance rules, making sure it doesn’t adversely affect the competitive spirit of Welsh domestic football or lead to any UEFA or FIFA regulatory issues regarding dual competition eligibility.
The initiative reflects a broader ambition to elevate Welsh football on the European stage, leveraging the capabilities of its clubs that, despite playing in the English league system, have deep roots and interests in Welsh football culture and success.
This could potentially set a precedent for how smaller nations with clubs in larger neighbouring leagues might approach European qualification going forward.
It is also hoped that the involvement of EFL clubs for this competition will enhance Wales’ position in UEFA’s association club coefficients, currently, they are 50th out of 55 countries, with only the top divisions in San Marino, Gibraltar, Andorra, Belarus, and North Macedonia the ones to position lower.
A main part of that due to the performance of it’s non-EFL Welsh clubs in European tournaments.
There has been history made in 2024 however when The New Saints, champions of the Cymru Premier, became the first club from the Welsh football pyramid to reach the group stage of a major European competition, in this season’s Europa Conference League.
Because of this, it will enhance Wales’ coefficient ranking, with the Football Association of Wales (FAW) now hoping the chance of Cardiff, Swansea, Wrexham, and Newport fighting it out for European football will further improve the ranking and generate additional prize money from UEFA.
The FAW’s plan to distribute a portion of the increased revenue across Welsh football, which will also benefit Cymru Premier clubs, who reportedly love the chance to play against Cardiff, Swansea, Wrexham, and Newport.
According to the Prosiect Cymru: “Welsh football is in a unique position within European football in that its largest clubs play in the domestic league of another country (England).
“This has historically limited the ability of Welsh domestic clubs to be competitive in Uefa club competitions.
“An innovative solution to address this position has transformational potential for the whole Welsh football ecosystem from grassroots to the professional men’s and women’s game.”
The #JDCymruPremier is changing.
From the 2026/27 season, the league will expand to a 16-team format 📊
🔗 https://t.co/yFooGCYB0X pic.twitter.com/RfCpEC1n51
— JD Cymru Leagues 🏴 (@CymruLeagues) September 27, 2024
Fans raise concerns over talks of Welsh EFL clubs entering Welsh League Cup for European football…
@igamogam3: Cheeky cunts. Wales could have a decent premier league if these sides were in the competition. Instead, they choose to ply their trade across the border. You can’t have it both ways. Bangor city was allowed to go bust and the FAW did fuck all to help a fairly big Welsh club.
@A13X_698: What a massive punch in the stomach to the Welsh league sides. We don’t compete in the league so we shouldn’t profit from anything related to it.
@keijoteras: Pathetic. If they want to quality for European football, backing Welsh places, then they should play in the Welsh League
@CrabbyValiant: Welsh clubs should only be able to qualify for Euro comps via the competitions of the country they ply their trade in. If they want the easier Welsh route they should join the FAW leagues and bugger off from England.
@COYI_WHU1: Can we not just get them out the league full stop
@deijos1: Its the welsh league cup..the english efl teams are not in the welsh league
@shaunclay45: Extra games again too
@ethancov2: Just put them in the Welsh league
@IainFletcher8: They should play in the Welsh league then
@DB30Something: They would surely have to forfeit their right to play in the EFL/EPL then.
@kevmsmith81: Not exactly fair to the clubs competing in the Welsh league pyramid. This shouldn’t be allowed to pass – they’re affiliated to the English FA.
@darrenj02173158: Spoil it for real Welsh football. They are just too shit did the leagues they’re in
@TravellingTom: Dreadful idea. Shouldn’t be allowed to compete in the English league system and take Welsh European spots.
@TheLedge71: Bye then, we don’t need you. Pretty sure we can find 4 clubs that want to be in the EPL and not fuck off to play in some tin cup for a back door into Europe.
@ding_dan_18: Nah that’s ridiculous, taking it away from other welsh sides is unfair when they’re benefitting from the revenue of the English league system
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