Cymru Premier and WPWL permitted to return after elite status reinstated

The JD Cymru Premier and the Orchard Welsh Premier Women’s League has had its elite status reinstated with ‘immediate effect’ by the National Sport Group.

Both the men and women’s top tier of football in Wales had been suspended in mid December, owing to the Level Four restrictions imposed on the Welsh public.

However the National Sport Group has now granted permission for the action resume after almost a three-month hiatus.

Games will continue to be played behind closed doors under strict FAW COVID-19 protocols, with the rescheduled fixtures due to be announced in due course ahead of the return. 

In a statement by the FAW, it read: “The Football Association of Wales has been informed by the National Sport Group (NSG) that the JD Cymru Premier and the Orchard Welsh Premier Women’s League have had their ‘Elite Status’ reinstated with immediate effect. 

Although the country remains at Alert Level 4 of the Welsh Government Control Plan, clubs in these leagues can prepare for the resumption of fixtures under the FAW’s strict Return to Play COVID-19 protocols.  

The FAW continues to encourage that everyone follows the Welsh Government guidelines to limit the spread of COVID-19.

The men’s second tier however has not been granted ‘elite’ status, despite being deemed it in December, which allowed for Nathaniel MG Cup fixtures.

The only professional teams in the JD Cymru North are Airbus UK Broughton, who play The New Saints in a friendly and Bangor City, who beat Connah’s Quay Nomads yesterday night.

Should the Welsh Government lower the alert level to Level 3 or the NSG opts to grant them elite status then they will be permitted to play.

The NSG are responsible for the awarding of ‘elite’ status and is made up by representatives from Sport Wales, Welsh Sports Association, the Welsh Government and Commonwealth Games. 

(Featured Image: Lewis Mitchell)