Blow for EFL clubs’ European hopes as FA blocks Welsh League Cup plan
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The Football Association is set to block a proposal to allow the English Football League’s Welsh clubs from competing in a new Welsh League Cup next season in what would represent a major blow to Wrexham’s European ambitions. The EFL is understood to have raised objections to a request from the the FA of Wales for Wrexham, Cardiff, Swansea and Newport to take part in an expanded League Cup, which they hope will generate £3m a year in additional revenue. Getting bigger Welsh clubs into European competition could also improve Wales’ Uefa coefficient.
Uefa has given its approval and confirmed that the winners would be granted a place in the qualifying rounds of the Europa Conference League, with the proviso that EFL-based clubs cannot also qualify via English competitions. The final decision rests with England’s FA, however, which is consulting with both the EFL and the Premier League over the matter. The issue will be discussed at a meeting of the FA’s Professional Game Board next week but sources involved have told the Guardian they are minded to reject the proposal.
The Professional Game Board is made up of four representatives from the Premier League and the EFL, with both organisations having serious reservations about the FAW’s plan. Following next week’s discussions, the PGB’s recommendation will be taken to the full FA board for ratification.
The main objections raised during preliminary discussions are understood to centre on the potential knock-on effect for the integrity of EFL competitions, greater fixture congestion and the prospect of Welsh sides gaining a significant commercial advantage. The EFL’s biggest concern is believed to be a fear that opting out of European qualification via English competitions, which Swansea achieved by winning the League Cup in 2013, could affect their value.
