Swansea City supports FAW plans to revamp the Welsh League Cup
The Football Association of Wales (FAW) has unveiled plans to revamp the Welsh League Cup, aiming to generate an additional £3 million per season to support football at all levels across Wales.
This initiative is part of the FAW’s broader vision to elevate the JD Cymru Premier, providing clubs with more opportunities to compete against the highest-ranked Welsh clubs in the English football pyramid.
Under the new proposal, the winner of the revamped Welsh League Cup will enter the qualifying rounds of a UEFA club competition. This will allow Welsh clubs in the English football pyramid to represent Wales in Europe, competing against top European clubs and raising the standards of football throughout Wales.
The proposal has received unanimous support from JD Cymru Premier clubs. Additionally, Cardiff City, Newport County, Swansea City, and Wrexham have approved the revenue-sharing model for the new competition, designed to benefit the entire Welsh football community.
There is a significant funding disparity between grassroots facilities in Wales and England. Since 2022, the Cymru Football Foundation has received £17 million, compared to £327 million for the English Football Foundation. New funding streams, such as the revamped League Cup, are essential to improve the game in Wales.
Wales is significantly underfunded for broad football infrastructure improvements due to the current UEFA coefficient standing. A UEFA study found that Wales has the least number of 3G pitches (per capita) across all of Europe. Last year, close to 50% of grassroots games were cancelled or rescheduled due to waterlogged pitches. Additionally, girls' access to football at all levels is 10+ years behind the rest of the UK.
The plan has been discussed with UEFA, the Secretary of State for Wales, and the Welsh Government. It is now awaiting final approval from The Football Association for the participation of clubs playing in English competitions.
Swansea City Chairman, Andy Coleman, said: “This initiative aims to create a level playing field and support each other. Wales deserves recognition for its clubs and national team in Europe. Our top clubs play in the English system, a position we’ve earned over the last century and are fully committed to maintaining.
"However, since they don't represent Wales in Europe, our UEFA coefficient ranking is low, leading to less funding and a negative impact on Welsh football. This proposal addresses that imbalance, generating new income and increasing UEFA distribution for Welsh football at all levels.
"Importantly, it ensures no financial advantage for Welsh-based EFL clubs regarding PSR. This is about improving football in Wales with good intentions.
This is not about Wales putting their hand “out” but putting our hand “up” to highlight structural imbalances affecting the game here. We need to stand up for ourselves, and I am proud we are doing so as a unified voice. The FA Board has been presented with a “tap in” and we see them as great partners supporting our pathway.
"Let's come together and make this happen for the future of Welsh football.”
FAW Chief Executive Noel Mooney added: “This will be a gamechanger for Welsh football, helping us unlock its full potential. It will unite Welsh football, improve the game at all levels, and deliver significant societal benefits, making our clubs and communities more sustainable.
"The revamped Welsh League Cup will generate substantial additional revenue, which will be distributed throughout the JD Cymru Premier, Genero Adran Premier, and grassroots facilities across the country.
"This initiative embodies the spirit of collaboration among football associations in the UK, especially as we approach the home nations’ joint hosting of Euro 2028.”
Cardiff City, Newport County, Swansea City, and Wrexham have agreed to exclude any profit from representing Wales in UEFA competitions from financial regulations in the English Football League or the English Premier League.
A key objective of the FAW’s strategic plan, Ein Cymru / Our Wales, is to improve the UEFA European coefficient club ranking. This reform will enhance the performance of Welsh clubs in UEFA competitions, creating a virtuous cycle of improved performance and increased funding.