Wrexham are at the middle of radical new plans to start a Welsh Cup competition that could change the world of football, but there is major opposition to the idea.
Over the last few years, we have seen Wrexham go from National League obscurity to worldwide fame, and the Red Dragons are now in a promotion battle that could see them playing in the Championship next season.
Phil Parkinson and his players have done an incredible job on the pitch to get the club to where it is, and Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have been instrumental in raising the club’s profile off the pitch.
But, plans for Wrexham to partake in a new Welsh Cup are still very much in the air, and the Wrexham owners may find themselves stuck between a rock and a hard place if friction between the Welsh FA and the EFL continues.
Welsh Cup plans could ‘unite’ Welsh football if approved
Discussing the idea in a statement from the FA of Wales, Chief Executive Noel Mooney played up all the positives that could come from this major shake-up, and predicted it could not only change Welsh football, but could bring the United Kingdom together.
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.
“It will generate significant additional revenue with expanded participation of the four highest ranked Welsh clubs that participate in the English football pyramid. This will be distributed throughout the JD Cymru Premier, Genero Adran Premier and grassroots facilities across the country.”
On what it means in a wider sense, Mooney added: “It also represents the spirit of collaboration and cooperation among football associations across the United Kingdom ahead of the home nations’ joint co-hosting EURO 2028.”
However, the idea has met staunch opposition from various sources, including Wrexham’s former owners.
EFL wants to block Welsh Cup plans
The latest blow comes as the EFL is expected to block the plans due to potential scheduling issues and a clash of commercial interests throughout the game.
Just last month, one executive suggested the idea was greedy and selfish amid reports that the FA would want to be heavily involved in any burgeoning cup competition.
In rather extreme cases, Wrexham have been warned to stay in England after making the decision long ago to turn their backs on the Welsh Football League.
With so much opposition and obstacles to overcome, it is very difficult to see a way that these plans do eventually see the light of day, but clearly, the Welsh FA are keen to get it off the ground.