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Wales’ EFL clubs in talks of entering Welsh League Cup as route to European football

Wales’ EFL clubs are reportedly in talks of entering the Welsh League Cup as a route to qualifying or 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, represents a strategic move to enhance their chances of qualifying for European football competition.

But as per BBC Sport, sacrifice the right to qualify through English competitions should they win English cup finals or finish in the European qualifying spots in the Premier League.

If Welsh EFL clubs like Cardiff City, Swansea City, Wrexham, and Newport County were to compete in the Welsh League Cup, the winner would gain a place in the UEFA Europa Conference League.

This 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.

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There has been history made this year 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.”

Here’s how fans reacted with Wales’ EFL clubs in talks of entering the Welsh League Cup as a route to qualifying for European football…

@timcwegener: That would be superb

@TheArkenShield: Good news for the Cymru Premier/FAW, and I guess it’s a case of wondering if you expect Wrexham to finish top 6 in the PL or win the FA/League Cup?

@Gzone77: Amazing! Those were special nights! Would like to say we have improved since the last venture! Right now am not sure that’s the case. 🤯

@JaredParry27: Here, I am all for a run in Europe again, however, this is absolutely not the answer. Hopefully, this doesn’t materialise.

@JeremyBrookman2: If they want to play in Europe they have 2 options. Win one of England’s cups or join the Welsh league system. The FAW shouldn’t even be entertaining this.

@TLedge86: Not for me, we play in the English pyramid. We shouldn’t be in a position to pick and choose the bits we want from the Welsh set up as it is not fair on those clubs who only play in the Welsh pyramid.

@NathanFlipEvans: What about Merthyr? Didn’t fancy mentioning possibly the greatest upset in European football when we beat Atalanta in 87?

@NeilGO70: Dear santa…..

@AndrewDowling84: Disaster for Welsh football

@DaleyBlindFC: Tell them to join the pyramid or fuck off

@MarcusXSteele: Hard to see how any club would be able to take part in Welsh cup competition if they are not members of a Welsh league. The opposite would never happen. I guess money will speak loudest, though.

@samainsworth1: ??? Join the Welsh premier league then??

@Jim__Douglas: 46 league games plus European matches 😵‍💫

@samrobs23: Yes yes yes and yes

@Swans_Dave: I’m all for this 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

@GreggC_CC: This would be a sensible, progressive move for all involved.

@SloperBlues: This is massive! Yes yes yes yes please

@SeanMills6: Bloody hell this could be massive, and will annoy all the right people. My dream of seeing County play in some random Lithuanian town could get a bit more realistic (although still a long shot up against Swansea, Cardiff and Wrexham).

@zacdt_: Swansea City European Tour Round 2 🔜

@DewiOsian1: What a joke. Leave them there and don’t come back to the Welsh system

@joerosswilliams: Big four want their cake and to eat it, but a rising tide lifts all boats!

@Ford1Seb: Not that it’s what’s being proposed but I would happily see Cardiff give up a spot in the EFL Cup so we can get battered 4-0 by Llandudno in the Welsh Cup second round

@CashmereKnits: I’m generally against this, I see it as unfair for us to enjoy the benefits of being in the English system then swooping in to steal the carrot on a stick for the Welsh league teams. That said, anything that would knock TNS down a few pegs is fine by me 😂😂

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