Wales admit defeat over eligibility change idea

Wales had targeted Matt Grimes, a former England Under-21 international, who spent 10 years at Swansea City

The Football Association of Wales (FAW) has admitted defeat in its attempt to change rules around international eligibility.

Welsh football's governing body had proposed a new residency rule that would have allowed players to play for a home nation after five years at a club in that country.

But the plan has been deemed a "non-starter" after initial discussions with the respective football associations of England, Northern Ireland and Scotland failed to gain enough support.

The FAW has not commented publicly, but chief executive Noel Mooney said on social media the plan was "not happening".

The current agreement between the home nations allows players to represent England, Northern Ireland, Scotland or Wales if they have had five years of continuous education up to the age of 18 in that country, as well as via birthplace or the birthplace of a parent or grandparent.

The FAW suggestion was to align the home nations with the rest of Fifa regarding residency, with senior men's head coach Craig Bellamy aware of the plans and former Swansea City captain Matt Grimes targeted as a potential Wales call-up.

The plan attracted criticism from fans on social media and was branded "ridiculous" by former Wales international Nathan Blake.

Another ex-Wales striker, Iwan Roberts, told the Feast of Football podcast: "I'm happy the idea hasn't taken off. Are we going down the line of rugby? I think it makes a mockery of it. I don't think there's anything wrong with how players now qualify."

The failure of the international eligibility idea comes as Mooney faces up to two other unsuccessful proposals since the turn of the year, with bids to open a European spot up for Wales' EFL clubs and an attempt to lure non-league Merthyr Town into the Welsh system both failing.

On the European qualification idea, known as Prosiect Cymru, Mooney said last week he was keen to remain ambitious.

"It would definitely have enhanced Welsh football so I'm not apologising to nobody for trying to do the best thing for Welsh football," Mooney told BBC Sport Wales .

On the eligibility attempt, Mooney added on social media: "You will see we will keep exploring ways to be better or grow our game."