Wales' EFL clubs seek FA assurances

Wales’ four football league clubs have sought assurances from the Football Association (FA) over their places in the English pyramid amid plans for them to play in the Welsh League Cup.

The Prosiect Cymru (Project Wales) proposals involve Cardiff City, Swansea City, Wrexham and Newport County entering the Welsh League Cup with a place in the European Conference League for the winners.

Although the four clubs would continue to play league football in England, this move would mean sacrificing their ability to qualify for Europe via English competitions.

Swansea played in the Europa League after winning the EFL Cup in 2013.

The clubs do not want to do anything which would compromise their places in the English pyramid and have sent a letter to the FA seeking assurances over their participation in the English system.

The matter is also set to be discussed at the next meeting of the Professional Game Board (PGB), a committee of the FA board that handles subjects related to the Premier League and Football League (EFL), who have representatives on the PGB.

Prosiect Cymru has been presented as a path to a “transformational change” in Welsh football.

The idea emerged from a report by Deloitte, commissioned by Swansea City. Wrexham are also in favour, while Cardiff City are supportive of the dialogue.

But the issue is considered to be most sensitive for League Two club Newport County.

Newport were at the forefront of an historic High Court victory over the Football Association of Wales (FAW) in a legal battle against the football authorities to sustain their position in the English pyramid, rather than join the Welsh system.

The Exiles initially said they were not consulted over this issue, but have subsequently spoken to the FAW.

Newport chairman Huw Jenkins will consult with the club’s Supporters Trust before making any judgement. He will also be guided by the feedback from clubs in the Welsh system.

Clubs in the Cymru Premier, Wales’ top flight, have already been consulted, and there has also been a lot of reaction from Welsh football fans over the issue.

Football League clubs held a meeting recently in which they were told of the proposals, but the EFL is yet to take a stance with discussions ongoing.

EFL clubs may want clarification on streams of additional income this might provide to the Welsh quartet.

Prosiect Cymru see the possibility of involvement of the EFL outfits as a way of helping to improve Wales’ standing in Uefa's association club coefficients.

The report also says the move would "drive improvement for the whole Welsh football ecosystem" and that "financial gains will be redistributed in a manner that lifts grassroots, domestic Welsh clubs and the women’s game."

BBC Wales Sport have asked the FA for comment.