Mixed fortunes for North Wales clubs in the Tier 1 licence application stakes

Image: FAW

Three North Wales clubs have failed in their first attempt to become eligible for top flight football in 2022-23.

Buckley Town, Cefn Druids and Llandudno are three of seven applicants refused a Tier 1 licence required to qualify for Cymru Premier League status next season.

None of them could have taken up the challenge anyway as Druids are relegated from the Cymru Premier and Buckley and Llandudno have missed out on promotion from the Tier 2 Cymru North.

The others to receive a knock back on first try for a Tier 1 licence are Cambrian & Clydach Vale, Llanelli Town, Llantwit Major and Pontypridd Town.

All seven rebuffed clubs have 10 days in which to submit an appeal.

Colwyn Bay, who play in the Cymru North, have withdrawn their application for a Tier 1 licence. The same is true of Bangor City, who pulled out of the Cymru North in February, citing a lack of eligible players.

The three-time Welsh Premier champions were already suspended from all football activity due to unpaid fines.

The lack of a licence means the club cannot compete in the FAW-run top three tiers next season and its whole future is uncertain.

The new 2021-22 Cymru North champions Airbus UK Broughton have been successful in attaining a Tier 1 licence and are promoted back to the Cymru Premier.

The First Instance Body (FIB) met today to assess and consider the UEFA and FAW Tier 1 applications.

Fourteen of the 21 applications for a Tier 1 licence have been successful, including all 11 of the current JD Cymru Premier clubs and three clubs in Tier 2. In addition, 9 of the JD Cymru Premier clubs achieved a UEFA Licence.

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 has decided on the following:

UEFA Licence for 2022/23 season (9 clubs)

Bala Town
Barry Town United
Caernarfon Town
Cardiff Met University
Flint Town United
Haverfordwest County
Newtown
Penybont
The New Saints

FAW Tier 1 Licence for 2022/23 season (14 clubs)

Aberystwyth Town
Airbus UK Broughton
Bala Town
Barry Town United
Briton Ferry Llansawel
Cardiff Met University
Caernarfon Town
Carmarthen Town
Connah’s Quay Nomads
Flint Town United
Haverfordwest County
Newtown
Penybont
The New Saints