FAW provide update on resumption of Cymru Leagues season

The Football Association of Wales remains hopeful of resuming the 2020/21 Cymru Leagues season.

A National League Board meeting took place this week to discuss the plans for the remainder of the campaign.

It is hopeful that the Cymru Premier season will resume from 5 March and will finish on the 23 May.

The 2020/21 Cymru Premier is still in Phase One stage with some clubs five games from completion and Penybont with eight games to play.

It is understood with the season being extended to May then the league would retain its 32-game season, despite some calls to shorten it to 22.

In regards to the second tier, the FAW are hopeful of starting on 20 March and finishing on 29 May. The divisions were due to start in January, however the COVID-19 situation worsened in Wales.

Should the Welsh Government loosen its Level Four restrictions then all 44-clubs’ would have their Elite status reinstated, which would permit them to play.

It is understood these fixtures would remain in a behind-closed-doors setting. 

All clubs in the Cymru Leagues will also be entered into a revamped Welsh Cup which will consist of the 44 teams. It will run from the 20 April to 5 June. The 2019/20 edition wasn’t played to a conclusion, despite reaching the semi-final stage. 

The Nathaniel MG Cup will also resume should Welsh Government restrictions allow with that resuming in March and ending on 31 May. All but one Round Fixture has taken place with Undy Athletic due to play Newport County.

Both Goytre United and Penrhyncoch were removed from the competition after failing to fulfil their fixtures.

Many clubs’ academies however will not take place in the Cymru Premier Development League with the NLB deciding that their season should be cancelled.

It was the same outcome also for the FAW Reserve and FAW Youth League, which will not take place this season.

(Featured Image: Lewis Mitchell)