CPD Bangor 1876 reluctantly accept Welsh Cup expulsion

CPD Bangor 1876 has reluctantly accepted the FAW’s decision to expel them from the Welsh Cup.

The club initially sent a protest to Cardiff against the ruling to throw them out of the national knockout for failing to play their second qualifying round tie against Llannerchymedd on July 24 due to Covid concerns.

The FAW instantly removed 1876 from the competition and put Llannerchymedd through to the first round proper.

Three South Wales clubs had been dismissed from the cup in the first qualifying round for the same or similar reason as 1876.

Bangor 1876 secretary Dafydd Hughes released the following statement on the club website: “It was with some disappointment that late yesterday (Wednesday 4 August) the club received, and considered the contents of, a letter relating to our protest regarding our expulsion from the Welsh Cup.

“This expulsion was a consequence of the fact that we abided by the rules relating to the control of the COVID-19 virus by asking some of our players to self-isolate rather than break the law. This meant that we were consequently not able to play the cup tie against Llannerchymedd on 24 July.

“The letter concluded by stating ‘The NCB (National Cup Board) considered today whether it should review its decision regarding the non-fulfilment of fixtures in all FAW Cup Competitions in the 2021/22 season for all matters (including COVID-19) and also the specific CPD Bangor 1876 FC case. The NCB unanimously agreed not to review it and the decision communicated in my email of 24th July stands and is final. As such, I write to confirm that CPD Llanerchymedd progress into Round 1.’

Mr Hughes added: “The club has no reasonable prospect of successfully challenging this decision, particularly as there have been other cases earlier in the season that have gone unchallenged, thus establishing precedent.

“We take some comfort that the fee accompanying our protest is to be refunded and are grateful for all the expressions of support that we have received.

“We accept the FAW’s decision and will not be commenting further.”