Wales 'united' for EFL clubs in Welsh cup - Coleman

Andy Coleman became Swansea chairman in May 2023

Swansea City chairman Andy Coleman believes "all of Wales is united and behind" plans for its four EFL clubs to play in a Welsh cup competition.

Coleman has been one of the driving forces behind Prosiect Cymru (Project Wales) proposals which would give Swansea, Cardiff City, Wrexham and Newport County a potential new route into Europe.

The plans have been presented to Uefa, the Football Association, Premier League and clubs in the Cymru Premier, Wales’ domestic top flight.

"I think this is a perfect example of what can happen when people come together," said Coleman.

"This is an exciting new potential step for Wales. All of Wales is united and behind this.”

The proposals follow an extensive independent report into the venture by consultancy Deloitte, which was commissioned by Swansea on behalf of the four EFL clubs and the Football Association of Wales (FAW).

Cardiff, Swansea, Wrexham and Newport would continue to play in the English pyramid, but sacrifice their ability to qualify for European competitions via the Premier League, FA Cup or EFL Cup.

In addition to those competitions they would also enter the Welsh League Cup - currently known as the Nathaniel MG Cup - for a chance to represent Wales in the Europa Conference League.

"I can't wait for people to learn more about the specifics around this deal," added Coleman.

"There is still work left to do, but a united Wales is a stronger Wales and I am really excited to see what the next steps are."

The proposals have been described as "transformational" for football in Wales with the Deloitte report claiming "financial gains will be redistributed in a manner that lifts grassroots, domestic Welsh clubs and the women’s game".

There have been some sceptical voices, with former Cymru Premier striker Marc Lloyd Williams among those to express concerns.

The four EFL clubs have also sought assurances from the FA that the plans will not jeopardise their future in the English pyramid and while Wrexham are in favour, and Cardiff are supportive of the dialogue, the issue is considered to be most sensitive for Newport.

The League Two club were at the forefront of an historic 1995 High Court victory over the FAW in a legal battle to sustain their position in the English pyramid, rather than join the Welsh system.

However, Coleman remains positive.

"Do I think it's going to happen? I am confident we are going to do every single thing we can, myself included, to make sure we do what's best for Wales," he said.

"We are in the process and once we get through the process, we'll let everybody know."

Cardiff, Swansea, Wrexham and Newport all have a history of playing in European competitions as they used to qualify via the Welsh Cup, and they all have notable victories to their names.

Cardiff beat Real Madrid in the European Cup Winners’ Cup in 1971, Wrexham defeated Porto in the same competition in 1984 and Newport reached a Cup Winners’ Cup quarter-final in 1981, while Swansea won 3-0 in Valencia in a 2013 Europa League match.

Merthyr Town also play in the lower reaches of the English system and beat Italian side Atalanta in the home leg of their 1987 Cup Winners' Cup tie. The FAW has recently invited The Martyrs to switch to the Welsh domestic system.

Welsh clubs in the EFL have not participated in an FAW competition since the FAW Premier Cup – which did not offer European qualification – was abolished in 2008.