Cymru Premier: The New Saints lose court battle to overturn FAW’s decision to end season early

The New Saints have lost in their bid to overturn the Football Association of Wales’ decision to end the Cymru Premier season early.

The club took action against the governing body after Connah’s Quay Nomads were named Cymru Premier champions in May after the 2019-20 season was curtailed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Both clubs had six games remaining when the campaign was ended, but the Nomads, who were four points ahead of TNS, were crowned champions on an unweighted points-per-game method.

It ensured Andy Morrison’s side, who sealed the title for the first time, claimed Wales’ solitary Champions League qualifying spot.

TNS, Bala Town, and Barry Town United secured the Europa League qualifying spots, while fifth-placed Caernarfon Town missed out.

The FAW said they took the decision to end the season “as a result of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and in accordance with Welsh Government’s lockdown guidelines and measures”.

TNS chairman Mike Harris wanted the FAW’s decision to crown the Nomads as champions to be overturned, however the High Court deemed the curtailment of the season to be fair.

The FAW said it “welcomed the positive decision” of the High Court.

In a statement, the FAW said: “The FAW is pleased with today’s judgement and its recognition that the Association’s Board of Directors acted appropriately in these unprecedented times to look after the best interests of football in Wales.

“There were no easy solutions for the Board in these exceptional circumstances and their decisions were made in good faith and not based on the interests of any particular club, but the wider interests of the football community.

“Being the governing body of football in Wales during these extraordinary circumstances, the FAW has a responsibility towards everyone involved in the game and continues to be mindful of all Welsh Government Regulations, written statements and guidance as they evolve.

“The FAW now looks forward to continuing with its Return to Training and Play policies for the whole of Welsh football in order for the game to resume safely in the future.”

[Featured image: Matthew Lofthouse]