Wrexham are among four EFL clubs taking part in a new domestic cup tournament that would see them enter European competition under the Welsh flag for the first time in three decades.
The proposal, subject to FA approval, would see Cardiff, Swansea, Newport and Phil Parkinson’s League One compete in a revamped 16-team Welsh League Cup alongside the 12 JD Cymru Premier clubs.
The Football Association of Wales says the winner of the competition will progress to the qualifying rounds of a UEFA club competition.
Wrexham were the last Welsh EFL club to qualify for Europe through a domestic route, playing in the 1995-96 European Cup Winners’ Cup, although Swansea played in the Europa League under an English flag after winning the EFL Cup in 2013.
The FAW says Cardiff, Newport, Swansea and Wrexham have agreed to exclude any benefits derived from representing Wales in Europe from the financial regulations of the EFL or the English Premier League.
FAW chief executive Noel Mooney said: “This will be a game-changer for the development of the game as we work to unlock the full potential of Welsh football.
“It will unite Welsh football, improve the game at all levels and deliver significant social benefits across Wales, making our clubs and communities more sustainable.
“It will generate significant additional revenue through a revamped Welsh League Cup competition with expanded participation from the four highest-ranked Welsh clubs participating in the English football pyramid.
“This will be distributed across the JD Cymru Premier, Genero Adran Premier (Wales’ top women’s league) and grassroots facilities across the country.
“It also represents the spirit of collaboration and cooperation between football associations across the UK ahead of the home nations jointly co-hosting Euro 2028.”
The FAW believes the revamped Welsh League Cup, which will be played in a four-round knockout competition format, could generate an additional £3m per season.
Hollywood stars Rob McElhenney (left) and Ryan Reynolds own Wrexham
A potential EFL winner could boost Wales’ UEFA association club coefficients, which are currently among the lowest in Europe.
The FAW says the plan has also been discussed with UEFA, the Secretary of State for Wales and the Welsh Government and, pending final approval, the competition would begin next season.
