Lex XI appeal against FAW Welsh Cup decision

Lex XI have appealed against an FA of Wales decision which ended their involvement in this season’s Welsh Cup.

The Wrexham-area club lost 3-1 at Bethesda Rovers in the national knockout on July 25, but after the first qualifying round tie submitted a protest over their opponents making six substitutions – one over the permitted number.

The substitution took place in the 92nd minute, by which stage Rovers were 3-0 ahead.

Bethesda claimed it was a concussion substitution, which is allowed even if the maximum number of changes have been made, but Lex disputed this.

After reviewing the case, the FAW decided the tie had to be replayed on Saturday, August 15, but Lex reportedly refused to play the fixture. Hence, the FAW decided, Rovers go through to the second qualifying round where they visit Llysfaen this Saturday.

Tier 4 North East Wales League Division 1 club Lex appealed, and issued the following statement this evening:

“We made a complaint about the 6th substitute which wasn’t a concussion substitute at all. That was the day after the game.

“The FAW then sat on everything for 16 days before emailing us on Wednesday evening telling us we had to replay the game at Bethesda on Saturday. 

“Our first trip up there cost us £450 for a coach so I asked for the game to be played at a closer venue or at Lex to try and help with the costs. The other issue we had was not even having 72 hours notice for the game.

“We had a free weekend and no fixture scheduled for Saturday and were missing the majority of our team. So we attempted to reschedule for midweek but Bethesda refused.

“We asked the FAW to help and agree on something that we could both work with and they said it had to be 2pm on Saturday at Bethesda.

“I made it clear we couldn’t raise a team at such short notice and also notified Bethesda of the same. However the refs and Bethesda both turned up for a game that was clearly communicated that we couldn’t fulfil.

“I have today appealed the decision by FAW.”