How the future of Welsh football hinges on key vote amid English resistance
Share:
Wrexham and the other Welsh clubs in the English football pyramid want to play in a new Welsh League Cup but face significant obstacles. On Thursday morning, the Football Association of Wales will lead a presentation of ‘Prosiect Cymru’ to key stakeholders in the English game, amid significant reservations from EFL clubs.
![[The Welsh clubs in the English football pyramid want to be part of a new Welsh League Cup]](https://static.independent.co.uk/2025/01/22/14/51/GettyImages-1238389511.jpeg)
The idea is that the four Welsh clubs in the English pyramid – Cardiff City, Newport County, Swansea City and Wrexham – would enter a new 16-team Welsh League Cup, with the winners earning a place in the Europa Conference League. They would consequently forego any route into Uefa competition from the English pyramid. EFL clubs are still concerned about the significant effect on their competitions, not least regarding financial imbalance.
![[Wrexham co-owners Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds could see their team playing European football if this competition is approved]](https://static.independent.co.uk/2024/09/16/18/e70afbd5ce2fc2f26ab02e1eeafb583fY29udGVudHNlYXJjaGFwaSwxNzI2NTkzMTcy-2.75733151.jpg)
That’s why the Welsh party will instead focus on financial imbalance between the two football countries and appeal to a spirit of togetherness fostered by the Euro 2028 bid. This is understood to be persuasive to the English FA, but their decision will only come after recommendation from the Professional Game Board, who comprise four representatives from the Premier League and EFL. They are not expected to recommend approval.
![[English and Welsh authorities worked together on the Euro 2028 bid]](https://static.independent.co.uk/2024/09/15/20/INGLATERRA_UEFA_29488.jpg)
The pitch, according to figures close to the project, will centre on how “the FA needs to remember the spirit of co-operation it championed during the successful Euro 2028 bid”. “'Football for all. Football for good. Football for the future' was at the heart of the bid’s promise,” one source said. “Welsh football has approached its Welsh League Cup plans with the same spirit of unity and collaboration and would sincerely hope the FA follows through on its own message. This strong alliance should remain at the heart of all future endeavours, and the impact that these revamped plans can have on Welsh football at all levels, from grassroots up, embodies what this partnership can deliver.”.
![[Wrexham would be one of the clubs to benefit from a Welsh League Cup]](https://static.independent.co.uk/2024/10/10/21/WREXHAM-NUEVO_AUGE_85362.jpg)
