Football clubs and supporters up in arms over leaked Welsh Cup draw

An FAW investigation is underway as to how last night’s JD Welsh Cup fourth round draw was leaked to the public a day or two before it was broadcast.

In the end, the leaked draw was not even 100 percent accurate – the correct version was put out on Thursday evening.

Clubs and supporters are up in arms over a situation they believe has blackened the integrity of the 148-year-old national competition.

Many took to social media yesterday to criticise the FAW over the way the draws operate.

It was widely believed that the FAW website’s RedWall+ channel broadcasts national cup draws LIVE.

The FAW confirmed last night this is not the case. Draws are pre-recorded, sometimes up to two days before they are broadcast.

An FAW spokesman said “The FAW Cup Draw Show is pre-recorded and then streamed on a subsequent day(s). 

“This allows all draws from the FAW’s national cup competitions – JD Welsh Cup, Bute Energy Welsh Cup, Dragon Signs Amateur Trophy, FAW Youth Cup and Bute Energy U16s Cup – to be given an equal platform from the earliest qualifying rounds to the semi-finals.

“It’s pre-recorded so that high quality production elements can be added to provide the best viewing experience.  

“This allows graphics, draw recaps and video packages telling stories from clubs across the country in addition to all clubs get to see their name drawn out of the bowl.

“On this occasion, the draw has disappointingly been leaked ahead of its broadcast, which has undermined the excitement of what was an interesting draw with the remaining teams. 

“Once a draw is complete, ties are shared under a strict embargo to a small number of parties to aid with logistical planning.

“With this embargo being broken, the FAW is investigating this matter in an attempt to understand how this has occurred.”

Long before Thursday’s show, a last 16 draw was leaked out on social media.

LEAKED DRAW

Cardiff Met v Caernarfon Town
Pontypridd United v Colwyn Bay
Penybont v Flint Town United
Barry Town United v Gresford Athletic
Bangor City 1876 v Trearddur Bay
Rhyl v Porthmadog
Llandudno v Caerau Ely
Newport City v Cardiff Dracs

Below was the draw that was broadcast on the FAW RedWall+ show at 8 pm on Thursday..

ACTUAL DRAW

CPD Dinas Bangor City 1876 v Cardiff Draconians/Trefelin BGC
Barry Town United v Gresford Athletic
Caerau Ely v Llandudno
Cardiff Met v Caernarfon Town
Penybont v Flint Town United
Pontypridd United v Colwyn Bay
Porthmadog v CPD Y Rhyl 1879
Trearddur Bay v Newport City

Flint Town United chairman Darryl Williams was far from happy with the situation, stating on the club’s social media: “We have been drawn away to Penybont in the next round of the @FAWales Cup.  As a club we are appalled that the speculation on Social Media since Tuesday has proved correct, with regards to the integrity of the draw.

“If it is indeed the case that the draw actually took place on Tuesday then its integrity is entirely undermined. A recorded draw can be halted/changed, draws are live to maintain credibility and honesty.”

FAW chief officer Noel Mooney replied on X/Twitter: “We record draws ‘as live’ with independent guest, council member, producer, camera person and presenter….then, once draw made, send fixtures to a small number of specified partners so they are ready to communicate/promote etc.

“It seems here that someone chose to leak fixtures (not all accurately) which is disappointing but the draw is what it is. We try to ensure the production quality is good for all the draws and ideally, we can agree with broadcaster that they film live etc (not currently agreed).“

Flint chairman Mr Williams replied: “But Noel, you’ve allowed people to think it’s live when it’s nothing of the sort, never have you stated it’s recorded/edited.”

Mr Mooney responded: “I know we put together a Cup Draw show – I don’t believe that it was advertised as a live draw … apologies if this was not clear.

“iI’s clear that when we film ‘as live’ this may be construed differently which is understandable.”

Not a great look for Welsh football.