By BBC (Sports) | Created at 2025-01-08 10:48:58 | Updated at 2025-01-13 18:35:04
5 days ago
Newport County chairman Huw Jenkins has backed plans to give Wales' EFL clubs the chance to compete for European qualification via a Welsh cup competition.
But Jenkins says the proposal, known as Prosiect Cymru (Project Wales), can only move forward if it wins support from English football's authorities.
As clubs in the English pyramid, Newport, Cardiff City, Swansea City and Wrexham are only able to qualify for European competitions via the Premier League, FA Cup or EFL Cup as it stands.
But talks are ongoing about the quartet entering the Welsh League Cup - currently known as the Nathaniel MG Cup - for a chance to represent Wales in the Europa Conference League.
The plans have been presented to England's Football Association (FA), Uefa, the Premier League and clubs in the Cymru Premier, with Jenkins stressing that all parties must be happy.
"We can't lose sight of the fact that we are affiliated to the EFL. We have been for many, many years, like all the clubs," he told BBC Radio Wales Breakfast.
"The majority of our funding at the minute comes from the EFL, the same as Swansea, Cardiff and Wrexham.
"Obviously that has to be the number one priority, but then taking into account that for the good of Welsh football, if this could move forward in a positive way, I think everybody could be a winner out of it."
Should the plans come to fruition, Wales' EFL sides would sacrifice their ability to qualify for Europe via English competitions.
But the four clubs do not want to do anything which would compromise their places in the English system and have sought assurances from the FA.
The Prosiect Cymru proposal came after an independent report by consultancy firm Deloitte, which was commissioned by Swansea on behalf of the four clubs and the Football Association of Wales (FAW).
The report claimed financial benefits of the project would be "redistributed in a manner that lifts grassroots, domestic Welsh clubs and the women's game".
However, the Football Supporters Association says there is a "broad level of concern" about the plans.
When asked whether he would like to see Prosiect Cymru come to fruition, Jenkins added: "I think we all like to play the Welsh clubs in a competition, whether it was in the EFL or in a cup competition in Wales. I think that's a good thing.
"But I do understand some of the thoughts from the other EFL clubs about getting a financial advantage over others.
"If we can get it moving forward for the good of Welsh football, I think it would be a great thing."
