Four EFL clubs could qualify for Europe due to loophole which hasn't been used in 30 years
Four clubs in the English Football League could be given the opportunity to qualify for Europe through a revamped domestic competition.
As a football fan, there is perhaps no better feeling than watching your team compete, and hopefully win, in the top competitions in the sport.
For many, these competitions would be the European tournaments that allow teams from across several different leagues on the continent to face off across the season for a coveted trophy.
And now, four EFL clubs outside of the Premier League may be granted the chance to compete in Europe due to a proposal for a new domestic cup tournament.
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As per The Guardian, The Football Association of Wales (FAW) has submitted a proposal that would see the four Welsh sides competing in the English Football League compete against the 12 JD Cymru Premier clubs in a domestic cup tournament.
The FAW state that the winner of the cup would then be entered into the qualifying rounds of a UEFA club competition, offering them a chance to compete in European football.
Additionally, it would allow Wrexham, Cardiff City, Newport County and Swansea City to compete in a European competition under the Welsh flag for the first time in a massive 30 years.
Wrexham were the last side to compete in Europe representing Wales, playing in the 1995-96 Cup Winners’ Cup, however Swansea played in the Europa League under an English flag having won the EFL Cup in 2013.
Speaking about the proposal, FAW chief executive Noel Mooney said: “This will be a gamechanger for the development of the game as we work to unlock the full potential of Welsh football.
“It will unite Welsh football, improve the game at all levels, and deliver meaningful societal benefits across Wales making our clubs and communities more sustainable."
All four of the Welsh clubs competing in the EFL have also agreed that any profit earned from representing Wales in Europe will be excluded from the financial regulations in both the EFL or the Premier League.
Instead, Mooney promises that the significant revenue generated by the four clubs taking part in the Cup will be used to help grow the sport in Wales.
He added: " It will generate significant additional revenue through a revamped Welsh League Cup competition.
"This will be distributed throughout the JD Cymru Premier, Genero Adran Premier [Wales’ top women’s league] and grassroots facilities across the country."
The competition will be played in a four-round knockout format and is estimated to an additional £3million a season.
Furthermore, following discussions with UEFA and the Welsh Government, should final approval been given, the competitions is expected to begin next season.
Topics: Football, Swansea City, Wrexham, EFL Championship, Wales, Cardiff City
Ben McCrum