The Football Association of Wales (FAW) have unveiled plans for a revamped Welsh League Cup that could offer Wrexham a potential pathway to European competition.
This ambitious proposal aims to inject £3million into Welsh club football while enhancing the competitiveness of the domestic game.
The revamped tournament would feature 16 teams, including Cardiff City, Swansea City, Newport County, and Wrexham, alongside the 12 clubs from the Cymru Premier, with aims to expand to 16 teams in the 2026-27 season.
ESPN report that Wrexham are supportive of the plans, but it relies on securing FA approval and ensuring the tournament does not interfere with their commitments in the English Football League (EFL).
The FA is currently engaged in discussions with relevant stakeholders to assess the feasibility of this proposal. If approved, the revamped Welsh League Cup is expected to commence next season.
“This will be a game-changer for the development of the game as we work to unlock the full potential of Welsh football,” said FAW chief executive Noel Mooney.
Our League One campaign so far… 📈
2.04 PPG 👏
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“It will unite Welsh football, improve the game at all levels, and deliver meaningful societal benefits across Wales, making our clubs and communities more sustainable.
“It will generate significant additional revenue through a revamped Welsh League Cup competition with expanded participation of the four highest-ranked Welsh clubs that participate in the English football pyramid.
“It also represents the spirit of collaboration and cooperation among football associations across the United Kingdom ahead of the home nations’ joint co-hosting of Euro 2028.”
The generated revenue will be distributed among the Cymru Premier, the Genero Adran Premier (Wales’ top women’s league), and grassroots facilities across the country.
This revamped competition serves as the shining jewel of the FAW’s “Prosiect Cymru” (Project Wales), which aims to enhance Wales’ UEFA coefficient and secure a larger share of UEFA’s financial distributions.
The plan has also been discussed with UEFA, the Secretary of State for Wales, and the Welsh Government, but final approval from the English FA remains crucial.
Before proceeding, Swansea, Cardiff, Newport, and Wrexham will consult with their respective supporter groups to gather feedback and address any concerns.
