The FA has rejected an attempt by the Welsh clubs playing in the EFL to play in the Welsh League Cup – and potentially qualify for European competition.
Cardiff City, Swansea City, Wrexham, and Newport County were part of plans to participate in the Welsh League Cup. This decision means these clubs will not have the opportunity to qualify for European competitions through this route.
The FA’s decision was made after considering various factors, including competition integrity, fixture congestion, player welfare, and the impact on existing competitions.
The EFL also felt the same, agreeing with The FA’s decision, emphasising concerns about the potential implications on the structure and fairness of the league pyramid in England.
❌FA REJECT Welsh clubs’ attempt to enter Welsh League Cup (and qualify for Europe by back door)
🏴Some in EFL held view if they went then they should play in Welsh League
✒️https://t.co/W62JXsYGyR— Mike Keegan (@MikeKeegan_DM) January 24, 2025
An FA spokesperson said: ‘The FA Board has considered a request made by four Welsh clubs to take part in a restructured version of the FAW League Cup which would provide an opportunity to qualify for UEFA competition.
‘As part of the request, the Welsh clubs would forfeit their existing right to qualify for UEFA club competitions through the English system whilst they remained members of the EFL. The Welsh clubs would then seek to qualify for UEFA competition via the English system should they be promoted to the Premier League.
‘As a result of the request, the FA undertook a thorough consultation with stakeholders and invited submissions from the Welsh clubs.
‘Following careful consideration, taking into account various factors including equal opportunity for clubs to participate in the same competitions, for the same rewards on an equal basis; concerns raised by stakeholders regarding competition integrity, fixture congestion and player welfare, and the impact on the standing of existing competitions, the FA Board has rejected the request.
‘It was noted that it is open to the Welsh Clubs to choose whether or not to participate in the English or Welsh system based on their own assessment of the relative merits of participation in each system, but if they choose to participate in the English system they must do so on the same basis as the English clubs which participate in that system.’
The FAW’s response: “The Football Association of Wales acknowledges the decision of the English Football Association Board concerning the Prosiect Cymru proposal for a revamped Welsh League Cup.
“The FAW is disappointed that the proposal was rejected as it would have benefited all levels of football throughout Wales with funding worth an annual £3million. The revenue model would have been distributed throughout the JD Cymru Premier, Genero Adran Premier and grassroots facilities across the country.
“The FAW will continue to focus on raising standards across the game in Wales and implementing its ambitious strategy to improve the JD Cymru Premier both on and off the pitch through an exciting competition format, strengthening the league administration, professionalising club administration, building brand awareness, engaging communities and enhancing on-pitch quality.”
FAW offer Merthyr Town up to £6M to quit English pyramid for Cymru Premier as part of revamp
Here’a how fans reacted as The FA release a statement on an rejecting attempt by Welsh EFL clubs to enter the Welsh League Cup for European football…
@jewkesyno4: Rightly so. They get the benefits of the EFL over Welsh teams in the Welsh leagues, and this would’ve probably have taken a European space off Welsh league teams too, by these 4 taking the space. It would also potentially give 4 Welsh teams a financial advantage over EFL teams.
@john_mcal: Correct decision! 👏🏻 Wonder what the FAW will do now 🤷♂️
@CCarachi: Good.. if they want to play in that then go play in the welsh leagues
@SimonRusbridge: Good sensible decision. They want the money from from the EFL but also want a chance to get in to Europe through a different league. Either play in the Welsh league and that cup competition, or stay where they are
@BDDunbar: Good if they want to represent Wales in Europe they need to play in Welsh competitions. Glad to see the old route of qualifying for Europe by winning the equivalent of a group of the EFL Trophy isn’t being reinstated.
@DanHallas: Just remove them from the English league and let them play in the Welsh league.. Quite simple really
@argyle_analyst: Got to be honest, totally on board with this. Nonsense. If you want to play in Welsh competitions, go play in the Welsh league. This is pure cakeism
@CWells_155074: Good. If they want to play in Europe then they should go and play in the Welsh Pyramid. You can’t have it both ways.
@PEBradbury: There was no guaranteed £3 million and I saw no benefits for anyone outside the Cymru Premier Clubs
@YoungmanMj: It was never explained Derek fully. And it seems like the funding issues, and implications to integrity and welfare of competitions and players in the system the four EFL clubs play wasn’t explained well either. With no guarantees offered to convince the EFL to support it.
@PEBradbury: The money wasn’t guaranteed Derek, it was on the basis of an improved Co-Efficient. This was a ridiculous proposal and excluded Cymru South clubs from the NG Cup that they already play in. I’m delighted it’s been blocked
@CJW_Wales: It was a daft proposal. Maybe concentrate on the teams that actually play in the Welsh system.
@IanParfitt: If I’d had six numbers on the lotto last week I’d now be a millionaire! It’s gone boys… move on but on a serious note @FAWales it would have been worth running this past the English FA at the very beginning, would have saved a lot of hassle for everyone!🤷♂️
@Skibidi_Stags: Fuck me, the FA actually used their brains. Glad this happened, would be complete unfair on not only the EFL but also the Welsh leagues. TNS are in Europe and earned their spot playing in the Welsh league and Welsh Cup. Unfair to take that away from them
@MaxOnTheBall: Agreed, also not fair on the Welsh teams for these boys to come in and take it away too from them. These 4 Welsh teams can’t have it all there way. They either want to play in England and cups or wales, but not both when it suits
@olljb1310: Why not? Just don’t let them play in the English league cup. Would be good for Welsh football
@avfcry: Unfair advantage on the clubs in their league
@baldy984: If they cared so much about “Welsh Football”… They’d join the Welsh Leagues…
@lachojski: If they want to play in a Welsh domestic cup let them go and play in the welsh leagues they won’t have to ask permission then! Trying to find a way to make it easy for them to get in Europe which will kill off hopes of those in the welsh league.
@AntCOYB86: I’d much rather the Welsh, English and Scottish FAs got together and proposed a reform of the league cups to feature all UK clubs in one competition.
@tlfwire: Good decision. They claim to hate the English yet they want to ponce of the English clubs money.
@DR_7721: They should all be kicked out of the EFL and play in the Welsh league, they shouldn’t be playing in England
@MaxFaithfull18: Good, can’t be playing in the Welsh cup and the English league, either play in the Welsh league too or stay here
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