National League play-off final: Wrexham 'disappointed' over potential Wales fixture clash
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Wrexham fans are hoping to see their team in the Football League for the first time since 2008
Wrexham say they are "disappointed" fans face a potential choice between backing them in the National League play-off final or watching Wales attempt to reach the 2022 World Cup.
Wrexham are second in the table and could be one of the finalists in the promotion final at London Stadium on Sunday, 5 June.
Wales host Scotland or Ukraine in their World Cup play-off final that day.
A politician has also written to the National League over the issue.
Russia's invasion of Wales' potential World Cup play-off rivals Ukraine has disrupted the World Cup qualification schedule while the National League play-off final was scheduled at the start of the 2021-22 season.
A lack of alternative stadium or date to host the game is being given as he reason for the National League's decision.
However, Welsh Senedd member for Wrexham and minister for rural affairs and north Wales Lesley Griffiths wrote on Twitter: "Obviously no guarantee @Wrexham_AFC will be involved but still disappointed by today's announcement that the London Stadium will host the National League playoff final.
"I struggle to see how it can be the "perfect fit" for fans and I look forward to receiving a response."
In her letter to National League chairman Jack Pearce, Ms Griffiths wrote: "I have been contacted by several constituents who are requesting the play off final is moved if Wrexham do reach this and I would be grateful if you could give this your consideration.
"In addition, several constituents have pointed out that, currently, all six clubs in the play off positions are northern clubs. As Wembley is not available, would you consider choosing a more northern venue than West Ham United's ground."
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Wrexham have issued a statement which explained the background to the potential clash of priorities for their fans.
"The club, like the FAW had asked that every effort be made to see if a clash with Wales' World Cup qualifier against Scotland or Ukraine could be avoided," stated Wrexham.
"While the kick-off times are different, the reality is that fans will have to make a choice between which of the games they want to watch live, in person.
"We are aware that the representations were taken seriously, and the decision taken by the National League was simply down to the lack of any alternative date or stadium to host the game.
"The date for the National League play-off game was announced at the start of the season and it couldn't have been envisaged that a World Cup play-off game would need to be scheduled on the same day.
"The disappointment of the potential clash is shared by everyone, and should the club compete in the National League Play-Off Final, we hope that it becomes a momentous and memorable day for football in Wales."
Football Association of Wales (FAW) chief executive Noel Mooney said: "The FAW wrote to Wrexham FC, the FA and UEFA to encourage moving the National League play-off final on Sunday 5th June.
"The FAW are disappointed that a resolution has not been found and would like to wish Wrexham the best of luck in their bid for promotion."
The game at London Stadium will decide the second promotion place into the English Football League behind the fifth tier's title-winners.
Stockport County are currently top of the table, seven points clear of second-place Wrexham with five matches left in the regular season.
If Wrexham fail to overhaul Stockport, they will enter the play-offs along with five other teams.
This will be the second successive year the National League promotion final will not been played at Wembley.
Last year's game was held at Bristol City's Ashton Gate ground as England's home ground was being used as a host venue for the delayed Euro 2020.
Wembley will host the League Two and Championship play-off finals on 28 and 29 May before Italy face Argentina on 1 June in the 'Finalissima'.
On London Stadium, the National League's general manager, Mark Ives, said: "It is a fantastic sporting arena with a rich history and very befitting of our showpiece promotion final.
"Whilst we don't know who will get to the final yet, what we can now promise is a stadium worthy of hosting such a huge game."
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