FA rejects Welsh EFL clubs’ European plan

The Football Association turned down proposals to make Wales’ four English Football League clubs eligible for Europe via a Welsh domestic cup.

The Football Association of Wales and Cardiff City, Swansea City, Wrexham, and Newport County had been collaborating on plans to hold a revamped Welsh League Cup, with the winners advancing to the Europa Conference League.

The FA board voted against the plans after a meeting on Thursday following concerns from the EFL and some of its other member clubs.

As part of proposals entitled Prosiect Cymru (Project Wales), Cardiff, Swansea, Wrexham and Newport would have competed in the revamped cup against the 12 teams from Wales ‘ top flight, the Cymru Premier.

The idea was widely supported by those clubs, whereas Uefa had given its blessing.

The new Welsh League Cup, according to the FAW, would have generated £3 million per season, which would have gone toward supporting grassroots initiatives like women’s football and domestic football in general.

But the EFL, while not commenting publicly before Thursday’s decision, had expressed concerns about the plans over a number of reasons.

Fixture congestion might have been a problem because Championship games frequently take place midweek at the same time as European games, for instance.

Money was a more significant consideration. Due to stringent rules governing profit and sustainability, it was claimed that Wales’ clubs would lose out to other countries because they had a better chance of reaching Europe.