Bont battle will go on
PENYBONT will remain locked in a battle to protect J D Cymru Premiership status should the FAW sanction a resumption of the 2019/20 season.
Last week the Independent FAW Club Licencing Appeals Body met remotely to consider six appeals for various licences that the FAW had previously refused.
Among them were J D Cymru Premiership (Conference) clubs Airbus UK Broughton and Cefn Druids – and their appeals proved successful with FAW Tier One licences issued to operate in the top flight next winter.
If either or both had been refused licences it would have impacted on the relegation battle that has boiled down to three clubs – Penybont, Carmarthen Town and Airbus.
However, the Appeals Body did produce a few surprises with J D Cymru South leaders Swansea University and their North counterparts Prestatyn Town both refused Tier One licences.
This means both clubs will remain on the Tier Two circuit for season 2020/21.
But ironically the two sides that hold second-place positions in their respective tables – Haverfordwest County (South) and Flint Town United (North) - were both granted Tier One licences.
So, this means that in all probability Haverfordwest County and Flint Town United will both be promoted – unless of course the FAW declare season 2019/20 null and void which is a distinct possibility.
The sixth appeal came from J D Cymru Premier (Championship) club Newtown, who the FAW originally denied a FIFA licence to compete in European competitions.
This appeal was also successful, resulting in Airbus and Cefn Druids now being the only two clubs without a FIFA licence on the top flight circuit.
A Tier One licence is a requirement to operate in the Cymru Premiership while for those who qualify for European competitions, an UEFA Licence is a prerequisite.
The Club Licensing system aims to support the continual improvement and development of football clubs at the top level in Wales.
Licensing is a transparent process that enables clubs to demonstrate to stakeholders they meet quality standards.
Meanwhile, two other clubs – Bangor City and Briton Ferry Llansawel – didn’t appeal a decision to refuse them Tier One licences and they will, therefore, remain at tier-two level for season 2020/21.