January 20 – Last week, as reported in IWF, the Welsh clubs, Cardiff City, Swansea City, Newport and Wrexham were hopeful that they could open up lucrative pathways to Europe by competing and winning the Welsh League Cup. The wish now looks to be blocked by the Football Association.
The English Football League (EFL) have raised objections to the four clubs taking part in the competition.
UEFA gave approval that the winners will be granted a place in the qualifying rounds of the Europa Conference League, however, that came with a proviso that EFL-based clubs cannot also qualify via English competitions.
The final decision will be made by the FA after consulting with the EFL and the Premier League at a meeting of the FA’s Professional Game Board next week, however, sources close to the decision are saying the proposal will be rejected dashing club hopes of the potential to generate £3 million a year in additional revenue.
The argument for the rejection is 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.
There is also the ‘Wrexham Factor’ as the club has recently become a worldwide phenomena, thanks to Hollywood owners, Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.
It is felt that they would be gaining a further commercial advantage by qualifying for the Conference League via winning the Welsh League Cup. Having Wrexham in the Conference League would benefit UEFA given the size of their fanbase in the United States.
“The Welsh clubs either play in English competitions or they don’t,” one source told The Guardian. “The ‘Welcome to Wrexham’ effect has been great for the EFL, but the EFL has also been great for Wrexham.
“It seems fundamentally unfair for these clubs to get both the commercial advantages of playing in England and then the further benefit of qualifying for Europe via a Welsh competition.”
The Welsh Football Association sensing that this could be great publicity said, that the four concerned clubs have “agreed to exclude any profit derived from representing Wales in UEFA competitions for financial regulations in the EFL or the English Premier League”.
Whether Reynolds or McElhenney, get their Hollywood ending will be revealed next week. If they are denied, expect a sequel.
Contact the writer of this story, Nick Webster, at moc.l1737398684labto1737398684ofdlr1737398684owedi1737398684sni@o1737398684fni1737398684