Football

Prestatyn Town FC consider legal action against FAW top flight licence refusal

Prestatyn Town (yellow and blue) in action against Swansea University in the Welsh Cup this season. Both clubs have had their appeals against a Tier 1 licence refusal turned down

Prestatyn Town are seeking legal advice on whether it is worth their while taking court action against the FAW’s decision to refuse them a licence to compete in the Welsh Premier League.

The Seasiders had their appeal against a Tier 1 licence rejection turned down by the independent FAW Club Licensing Appeals Body yesterday.

This appeal was lodged a result of the FAW First Instance Body decisions on April 6 for participation in UEFA competitions, the JD Cymru Premier and Orchard Welsh Premier Women’s League.

Flint Town United, Cefn Druids, Prestatyn Town and Swansea University all had Tier 1 licence applications rebuffed, while Airbus UK Broughton (UEFA & Tier 1) and Newtown (UEFA only) were also turned down.

Yesterday it was revealed Flint, Druids, Airbus and Newtown had all been successful with their appeals, but Prestatyn and Swansea University were not.

Flint are now eligible for promotion to the Welsh Premier provided they finish second in the Cymru North.

The Silkmen are 16 points behind leaders Prestatyn, who need just three points to wrap up the title.

Second-place Flint could still miss out if they are passed by Colwyn Bay and Guilsfield, neither of whom applied for a Tier 1 licence, in the end-of-season run-in.

It is yet to be decided when, or if, the 2019-20 campaign will finish due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Today (Thursday) Prestatyn received a brief letter from the FAW outlining the reason for their Tier 1 licence application being rejected.

As has been widely reported, the sole issue was planning permission for a new TV gantry.

Prestatyn said in a statement: “The club doesn’t argue the fact that this isn’t in place. However, we feel there was sufficient evidence provided to show mitigating factors that delayed this process, that were no fault of the club.

“We feel it should be noted that we first contacted the FAW about this in May 2019 and delays from other parties have accounted for over 6 months of wasted time where the process could have taken place.

“The board will look into this matter further by taking legal advice to see if anything can be done.”