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. Mail Sport revealed that the move, which met with incredulity at English counterparts across the competition, failed to receive backing from the EFL itself.
![[Cardiff City were amongst the clubs that could have tried to take advantage of the Welsh League Cup rule]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/24/11/94472183-0-image-a-18_1737718187606.jpg)
However, the FA board was left to ultimately make the decision and they have now thrown the proposal out. 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. 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 were amongst the clubs that could have tried to take advantage of the Welsh League Cup rule. ‘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.
