(FA) over a fast-track route for Welsh clubs to play in Europe.
As clubs in the English pyramid, the quartet can only qualify for European competitions via the Premier League, FA Cup or EFL Cup as it stands. However, amid some opposition within the EFL, Wembley chiefs will have the final call this month on special dispensation to include the four in a new expanded Welsh League Cup.
will continue to play in English cup competitions too but forfeit those tournaments as a route to Europe.
following the expansion of European competition.
The plans have been presented to England’s FA, Uefa and the Premier League – and Welsh authorities are attempting to iron out concerns, particularly among Championship clubs, that the new route to Europe could give the Welsh clubs a financial edge.
The Football Association of Wales (FAW) says its revamped Welsh League Cup could generate an additional £3 million per season to support all levels of its domestic game. There is disparity in the funding of grassroots facilities between Wales and England. Since 2022, the Cymru Football Foundation has received £17 million, whilst the English Football Foundation has received £327 million to invest into grassroots facilities.
Cardiff, Newport, Swansea and Wrexham have given their approval to a revenue-sharing model for the new-look competition. Any additional monies raised via competitions would not be deductible against financial fair play restrictions to ensure there is a level playing field with English rivals, the clubs say.
. “There’s no other country in Europe where the four biggest cities can’t represent their own country in European football.”
A key objective of the FAW strategic plan ‘Ein Cymru/Our Wales” is to improve the Uefa European coefficient club ranking. This reform will increase the chances of better performances in UEFA competitions by a larger group of clubs further increasing the coefficient, creating a virtuous circle of improved performance and funding.
If approved by the FA, the new Welsh League Cup competition will include the 12 clubs in the JD Cymru Premier League and the full participation of the four Welsh clubs who currently participate in the EFL from 2025-26.
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