Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
Wrexham are among four EFL clubs to enter the new domestic cup which 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 compete in a revamped 16-team Welsh League Cup alongside 12 JD Cymru Premier clubs.
The Football Association of Wales announced that the winner of the competition will go through to the qualifying rounds of the UEFA club competition.
Wrexham were the last Welsh EFL club to qualify for Europe at home – playing in the Cup Winners’ Cup in 1995-96. – although Swansea played in the Europa League under the English flag after winning the EFL Cup in 2013.
The FAW says Cardiff, Newport, Swansea and Wrexham have agreed to exclude any profit made from representing Wales in Europe from financial regulations in the EFL or English Premier League.
Use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Highlights from the Sky Bet League One match between Wrexham and Peterborough United
FAW chief executive Noel Mooney said: “This will be a game-changer in the development of the game as we work to unlock the full potential of Welsh football.
“It will unify Welsh football, improve the game at all levels and deliver significant social benefits across Wales by making our clubs and communities more sustainable.
“They will generate significant additional revenue through a renewed Welsh League Cup competition with expanded participation from the four highest-ranked Welsh clubs participating in the English football pyramid.
Wrexham are pushing for promotion from League One
“This will be distributed to JD Cymru Premier, Genero Adran Premier (Wales’ top women’s league) and grassroots facilities across the country.
“It also represents a spirit of cooperation and collaboration between football associations across the UK ahead of the home nations co-hosting Euro 2028.”
The FAW believes that the revamped Welsh League Cup, which will be played in a four-round knockout competition format, could generate an extra £3m per season.
Hollywood stars Rob McElhenney (left) and Ryan Reynolds own Wrexham
A potential winner from the EFL could boost Wales’ UEFA club odds, with the country currently among the lowest in Europe.
The FAW say the plan has been discussed with UEFA, the Secretary of State for Wales and the Welsh Government and that, pending final approval, the competition will start next season.
