Airbus and Cefn Druids face fight to stay in WPL while Prestatyn promotion hopes also suffer blow

Cefn Druids and Airbus UK Broughton face a threat to their Welsh Premier League futures – while Prestatyn Town’s hopes of reaching the top flight have taken a knock.

Current WPL clubs Airbus and Druids were both refused FAW Tier 1 and UEFA Licences by the FAW’s First Instance Body today.

They will be relegated unless they can meet the requirements before the next deadline.

Cymru North leaders Prestatyn, 16 points clear at the summit, had their application for an FAW Tier 1 Licence rejected, along with Bangor City and Flint Town United from the same league.

Clubs who have been refused a licence by the First Instance Body have 10 days in which to submit an appeal.

Prestatyn Town have confirmed they will appeal, releasing a statement which said: “The club are very disappointed to receive the news that, because we do not have the necessary planning permission in place for our new TV gantry, we have been unsuccessful in our application for the FAW Tier One Licence. All other criteria were met as per FAW requirements.

“We are able to appeal the decision and will do so immediately. We have been made fully aware of the steps required for us to be successful in our appeal and will leave no stone unturned in our efforts to fulfill our obligations in order to gain the Tier One Licence, which would enable us, should we be promoted, to take our place in the JD Cymru Premier League next season.”

Cefn Druids have also confirmed they will appeal, while Airbus are yet to comment.

The FIB met remotely today to assess and consider the 12 UEFA and 18 FAW Tier 1 applications.

A statement later released said: “Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the FIB Panel took full consideration of any restrictions the clubs may have encountered in their licence application as a result of the situation.

“Eleven of the 18 applications for a Tier 1 licence have been successful, including 10 of the current JD Cymru Premier clubs and one club in Tier 2. In addition, 9 of the JD Cymru Premier clubs achieved a UEFA Licence.”

Clubs are assessed on the following criteria:
Sporting: Youth & Coaching
Infrastructure
Legal
Personnel & Administration
Financial and Codes of Practice

The FAW Tier 1 Licence is required for clubs to participate in the JD Cymru Premier and for those clubs who qualify for European competitions, a UEFA Licence is also a pre-requisite.

The Club Licensing system aims to assist the continual improvement and development of football clubs at the top level within Wales.

Licensing is a transparent process that enables clubs to demonstrate to their stakeholders that they meet quality standards.

Following today’s meeting, the independent FIB Panel decided:

FAW Tier 1 Licence and UEFA Licence for 2020/21 season approved (9 clubs)

Aberystwyth Town
Bala Town
Barry Town United
Caernarfon Town
Cardiff Met
Carmarthen Town
Connah’s Quay Nomads
Penybont
The New Saints

FAW Tier 1 Licence for 2020/21 season approved (2 clubs)

Haverfordwest County
Newtown

Refused FAW Tier 1 Licence and UEFA Licence for 2020/21 season (2 clubs)

Airbus UK Broughton
Cefn Druids

Refused FAW Tier 1 Licence for 2020/21 Season (5 clubs)

Bangor City
Briton Ferry Llansawel
Flint Town United
Prestatyn Town
Swansea University

Withdrawn Applications (8 clubs)

Buckley Town
Cambrian & Clydach Vale BGC
Colwyn Bay
Cwmamman United
Llandudno
Llanelli
Porthmadog
Rhyl