Posted on 7th January 2025
Supporters share concerns on Welsh League Cup plans
The FSA has consulted with its membership about plans to allow Welsh teams in the English pyramid to compete in the Welsh League Cup.
In recent months, the Welsh clubs in the EFL have been in discussions with the football authorities about a “transformational” change which would see them enter the Welsh League Cup, the winners of which would earn a place in the UEFA Conference League.
Cardiff City, Swansea City, Wrexham and Newport County play in the English pyramid and are currently only able to qualify for European competitions via the Premier League, FA Cup or the EFL’s League Cup.
Although the clubs would continue to play league football in the English leagues, this change would mean sacrificing their ability to qualify for Europe via English competitions – Swansea City were the last Welsh side to achieve this, qualifying for the Europa League after winning the League Cup back in 2013.
The proposal – known as Prosiect Cymru – has been presented to UEFA, the English FA, Premier League and clubs in the Cymru Premier.
As the national membership organisation for football supporters, the FSA has also been consulting supporters at clubs in both the EFL and Welsh league system about the proposals and have submitted feedback to the FA, ahead of the FA Board deciding whether to endorse the proposal in the coming weeks.
FSA chair Tom Greatrex said: “Our view is that there would have been greater value for the clubs and authorities involved in this consideration had there been some level of prior consultation with supporters.
“While there are mixed views amongst supporters on different aspects and potential consequences of this proposal being adopted, there is a broad level of concern for the potential implications for both Welsh and English EFL clubs which might arise.”
Tom urged the FA to give serious consideration to the views of supporters before implementing the proposals and pledged constructive involvement from the FSA in future consultation.
A date for the decision on the proposals has not been published.
