Ryan Reynolds' European hopes dashed as FA release statement to block Welsh League Cup
Ryan Reynolds' European hopes dashed as FA release statement to block Welsh League Cup
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Ryan Reynolds' hopes of taking Wrexham to European football glory have been quashed as the Football Association has put the brakes on the move. Four Welsh EFL clubs, including the Hollywood-owned Red Dragons, Cardiff, Swansea and Newport, had their eyes on grabbing a newly available Conference League qualification spot by entering the Welsh League Cup. However, the decision by the FA's board has stopped them in their tracks.
The FA told the PA news agency: "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 said it carefully considered several factors, including the need for there to be an equal opportunity for clubs to participate in the same competitions, for the same rewards on an equal basis, as well as concerns raised regarding competition integrity, fixture congestion and player welfare. Other issues which led to the rejection of the request included the impact on the standing of existing competitions.
