Pontypridd United: Cymru Premier club face 18 charges after FAW probe
- Published
Pontypridd's Nathaniel MG Cup quarter-final with Cardiff Met was postponed due to the investigation
Cymru Premier club Pontypridd United face 18 disciplinary charges relating to the contractual status of players.
A Football Association of Wales (FAW) investigation says the alleged offences include non-payment of monies owed to players and failure to comply with their contractual player obligations.
Further charges include a failure to register players correctly and the playing of ineligible players.
Pontypridd say they "intend on defending the charges robustly".
The club has also been removed from the Welsh Cup for the 2023-24, with the FAW saying "there is no right of appeal against the decision of the National Cup board".
As a result, Abertillery Bluebirds will be reinstated to the competition and will play Carmarthen Town in round three.
A statement by the FAW said: "Following a recent investigation by the Football Association of Wales into the contractual status of players at Pontypridd United, disciplinary charges have been issued to the club for the alleged breach of FAW rules and regulations.
"In total, the FAW has issued 18 charges against the club under FAW rules 38.1.1 and 38.1.2.
"The charges relate to alleged offences that occurred during the 2022-23 and 2023-24 playing seasons... the club has seven business days as and from 31 October to respond to the charges."
Pontypridd revealed the charges relate to the "contractual status and registration of three players".
A statement from the club added: "Pontypridd United intend on defending the charges robustly.
"As a club, we are taking this matter seriously, with consideration of the impact of these allegations and subsequent reporting will have on our players, supporters, team of volunteers and sponsors.
"We want to reassure all those associated with Pontypridd United that the club is fully engaged in bringing these issues to a speedy conclusion.
"Whilst the disciplinary process is ongoing, the club will be making no further comment."
Pontypridd's Nathaniel MG Cup quarter-final with Cardiff Met was postponed last week while the investigation was carried out, delaying the semi-final draw, although the two sides did meet in the Cymru Premier on Saturday - Ponty losing 3-1 at home.
Pontypridd are currently 10th in the Welsh top flight.
Swansea City Under-21s, The New Saints and Guilsfield have already secured their spots in the last four of the Nathaniel MG Cup.