FAW extends suspension of football season
THE Football Association of Wales has extended the current suspension of all domestic football in Wales until at least April 30, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The FAW says it is committed to exploring every possible option for all national leagues to conclude the 2019-20 season by ensuring that matches are played as soon as it is safe to do so.
This follows the Premier League and EFL issuing a new statement last week amid the outbreak of the coronavirus, confirming that nearly all professional matches in England will not resume until the end of April at the earliest.
As a result, the FAW’s Board of Directors exercised their powers to indefinitely extend the 2019-20 season for all national leagues, national cup competitions and the
FAW Futsal League.
The Cymru Premier, Cymru North and Cymru South, and the Welsh Premier Women’s League have all been suspended in accordance with these guidelines.
The Welsh Alliance League Division One, Two and Reserves, Gwynedd League, Anglesey League and Vale of Clwyd and Conwy League have also postponed their fixtures.
“The current working documents for the National Leagues will be shared with the Area Associations in order to assist the planning for their own affiliated leagues in an attempt to find a solution for the resumption of football when it is safe to do so,” confirmed an FAW statement.
“Above all, the most important priority for the FAW is the health and wellbeing of everyone.
“The FAW encourages everyone to follow the advice of the UK and Welsh Governments and Public Health Wales.
“Our thoughts are with everyone affected by the pandemic.”
The last games to be played took place just over two weeks ago.
However, there may be some light at the end of the tunnel as clubs operating in the Welsh Alliance have been assured their season will come to a successful conclusion.
It is understood that each member of tier three and four were informed by league officials that plans are being formed to ensure all important things are decided when the coronavirus pandemic situation comes to a safe outcome.
Welsh Alliance officials confirmed to members’ teams that they will play fixtures throughout June if needed in order that each side fulfils their fixture requirements following the suspension.
This is good news for those chasing promotion places, such as Holyhead Hotspur and Gaerwen, and will also give clubs some muchneeded matchday revenue that has been in short supply in recent weeks.
Many teams operating in the Welsh Alliance structure will have demotion forced upon them next term due to their inability to comply with new FAW regulations.
Formal plans have yet to be announced by Welsh Alliance, but they are set to follow government guidelines surrounding the pandemic situation, which is changing by the day.
They will also need formal approval from the FAW to resume competitive action when it is safe to do so.
It is unknown if the leagues below will attempt to resume.