Prosiect Cymru: FAW and clubs braced for opposition to Europe plan

The Football Association of Wales and the country’s four English Football League clubs are bracing themselves for further opposition to their plans to introduce European qualification through a revamped Welsh League Cup.

Under proposals entitled Prosiect Cymru (Project Wales), Cardiff City, Swansea City, Wrexham and Newport County would join 12 clubs from the Cymru Premier – Wales’ top flight – in the new-look competition with the winners qualifying for Europa Conference League.

The final decision will be made by the Football Association board, who are understood to have been made aware of concerns by the EFL and some of its English member clubs over a number of issues relating to the proposals.

They are believed to include the impact of European prize money amid tight profit and sustainability rules that rival clubs fear would give the Welsh quartet an unfair advantage.

A decision could come as early as next week, when the FA board are set to meet, but neither the FA nor the EFL have commented on the plans.

A senior source at the FAW told BBC Sport Wales that they have been made aware of the EFL’s concerns and expect further resistance to Prosiect Cymru.

Even if their plans are rejected by the FA, the FAW and Wales’ four EFL clubs have indicated they will not give up on the venture.