Cymru Premier and Welsh Premier Women’s League could be suspended due to firebreak lockdown
The Cymru Premier and Welsh Premier Women’s League may face a two-week pause as part of the Welsh Government’s two-week fire break.
A spike in coronavirus cases across Wales will see a lockdown implemented from 6 pm on Friday, October 23 and last until Monday, November 9.
It could possibly see at least three match days missed in both the men and women’s game in Wales.
The guidance on the Welsh Government website reads: “Sportspeople who work and earn a living through sport are allowed to continue working, and like everyone else, they can leave home to do so if they cannot work from home.
“However, the elite programme, overseen by Sport Wales, will be suspended during this circuit breaker period.”
The Cymru Premier and the Welsh Premier Women’s League was granted ‘elite’ status after being nominated by the Football Association of Wales to Sport Wales.
However, a suspension of the ‘elite’ programme by the Welsh Government means that for at least the two week period, top-flight football in Wales may not be played.
Cardiff City, Newport County and Swansea City, however, will be allowed to continue playing their matches in the English Football League, as well as Wrexham in the National League.
Wales’ European Championship qualifier with Norway on 27 October at the Cardiff City Stadium will still go ahead too.
Further on in the government advice, it says: “Fixtures involving professional sportspeople are allowed to continue behind closed doors. All participants, such as players, officials, coaches, and broadcasters, are there in a working capacity.”
The lockdown could affect Swansea City’s participation in the UEFA Women’s Champions League.
They find out their Round One Qualifying opponents this coming Thursday, with matches due to be played on November 3 and November 4.
In a response to the Welsh Government’s announcement today, the FAW said: “The Football Association of Wales has noted the announcement made today (19 October) by the Welsh Government regarding the latest developments to their response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The Welsh Government will introduce a two-week “fire-break” national lockdown from 6:00 pm on Friday, 23 October and it will last until Monday, 9 November.
“The FAW will await further details following the announcement made today by the First Minister, Mark Drakeford, to understand the full impact that this will have on the FAW’s Return to Play Protocols.
“Once these details have been reviewed, the FAW will release further information.”
(Featured Image: Nikitas Mesney/ Connah’s Quay Nomads FC)
