Domestic shake-up
FOOTBALL
THE Football Association of Wales has confirmed restructuring of the domestic game, writes Tony Poole.
Last November the Glamorgan Gazette reported the FAW were considering changes to the game below the Welsh Premiership.
And last week rumour became reality, as they voted in favour of going with 108 clubs in the top-three tiers of the FAW pyramid.
The Welsh Premiership will continue with a 12-club format, and will be underpinned by two Championship divisions each containing 16 clubs – South & Mid along with North & Mid.
Tier 3 will embrace four regional divisions of 16 clubs, resulting in 64 teams operating at this level.
The changes will be phased in, Tier 2 being launched in 2019/20 and followed the season after by Tier 3 adjustments.
This means that as from the season after next the Welsh League will be gradually dismantled with the FAW operating Tier 2.
It’s thought likely the current Welsh League authorities will run Tier 3 as from 2020/21.
One club will be promoted from each Tier 2 Championship division with two clubs dropping out of the Welsh Premiership.
Six clubs will be promoted from Tier 3 – the four champion clubs plus two runners-up following play-offs.
The FAW hope these changes will help address challenges experienced at local, regional and national levels while also addressing imbalances in club numbers in certain areas.
“We started with a blank canvas and drew up a model that best suited the Welsh domestic game,” said Andrew Howard, FAW Head of Competitions.
“Our main objective is stronger and more sustainable clubs.’’
A full FAW Domestic Licence would be required to play in the Welsh Premiership with the Tier 2 equivalent a stipulation for clubs in the two Championship divisions.
Tier 3 clubs would play at regional level; aspire to progress in to the national divisions and be administered by a directly affiliated league on behalf of the FAW.
But some clubs are unhappy with the restructuring, and a Welsh League Special General Meeting is being staged on March 12.