Wrexham, Cardiff City, Swansea City and Newport County enter new Welsh League Cup format with European access | Football News
Wrexham is among four EFL clubs set to take part in a new domestic cup tournament that would give them access to European competition under the Welsh flag for the first time in three decades.
The proposal, subject to FA approval, would see Cardiff, Swansea, Newport and Phil Parkinson’s League One side compete alongside the 12 JD Cymru Premier clubs in a revamped 16-team Welsh League Cup.
The Football Association of Wales says the winner of the competition will advance to the qualifying rounds of a UEFA club competition.
Wrexham were the last Welsh EFL club to qualify for Europe domestically – playing in the 1995-96 Cup Winners’ Cup – although Swansea played in the Europa League under the English banner after winning the 2013 EFL Cup.
According to the FAW, Cardiff, Newport, Swansea and Wrexham have agreed to exclude any profits from representing Wales in Europe from financial regulations in the EFL or English Premier League.
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Highlights of the Sky Bet League One game between Wrexham and Peterborough United
FAW chief executive Noel Mooney said: “This will be vital to the development of the game as we work to realize the full potential of Welsh football.”
“It will unite Welsh football, improve the sport at all levels and deliver significant societal benefits across Wales by making our clubs and communities more sustainable.”
“Significant additional revenue will be generated through a revamped Welsh League Cup competition with expanded participation from the top four ranked Welsh clubs participating in the English football pyramid.”
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“This will be distributed across the JD Cymru Premier, Genero Adran Premier (Wales’ top women’s league) and grassroots football facilities across the country.
“It also represents the spirit of collaboration and cooperation between football associations across the UK in the build-up to the home countries co-hosting Euro 2028.”
The FAW believes the revamped Welsh League Cup, played in a four-round knockout competition, could raise an extra £3 million per season.
Hollywood stars Rob McElhenney (left) and Ryan Reynolds own Wrexham
A potential winner from the EFL could boost the UEFA association club coefficients in Wales, with the country currently among the lowest in Europe.
According to the FAW, the plan has also been discussed with UEFA, the Welsh Secretary of State and the Welsh Government and the competition would begin next season pending final approval.
