Season over for Welsh clubs

The FA of Wales today decided to end the 2019/20 season for Tier 1-4 clubs – with big ramifications for local clubs.

The decision has been taken as a result of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and in accordance with Welsh Government’s lockdown guidelines and measures.

The FAW agreed that an unweighted points per game method be applied to determine the final standings. As a consequence, the European Play-Offs in the JD Cymru Premier will not take place and The New Saints miss out on a Champions League place.

Instead Connah’s Quay Nomads are awarded the title and runners-up  will play in the Europa League. The move leaves Newtown finishing in sixth place.

In the Cymru North Guilsfield finish in third place behind champions Prestatyn and Flint Town while the Mid Wales League title goes to Llanidloes with Welshpool Town fourth and the second division championship goes to Penparcau with Waterloo Rovers third.

Promotion and relegation decisions are yet to be made.

The FAW Board took into consideration the health and safety of all those involved with these leagues and also considered the specific economic and financial impact of attempting to finish the season during the pandemic.

It was felt it was imperative not to risk the long-term financial stability of the leagues and their clubs.  

It was also recognised that the JD Cymru Premier could not be concluded prior to the deadline set by UEFA for European competition entry.  

Clubs in the JD Cymru Premier and JD Cymru North were consulted on how the season should be concluded. The views and information provided by the clubs were communicated to the FAW National League Board and the FAW Board of Directors.   

The FAW Board agreed that Tier 1 to 4 leagues would be curtailed and that an unweighted points per game method be applied to determine the final standings. As a consequence, the European Play-Offs in the JD Cymru Premier will not take place. 

As a result, the JD Cymru Premier European competition nominations were determined as follows:

·         UEFA Champions League – Connah’s Quay Nomads (1st Place) 

·         UEFA Europa League – The New Saints (2nd Place)  

·         UEFA Europa League – Bala Town (3rd Place)  

UEFA will be formally notified of these nominations prior to the 25 May deadline. 

It was decided that the prize money for the JD Cymru Premier, JD Cymru North and JD Cymru South would be distributed in accordance to the final league positions after the points per game method was applied.   

The FAW Board are yet to decide on promotion and relegation between leagues with a decision to be made in due course, taking into account full consideration of the FAW’s Pyramid Regulations.