The end of the Welsh domestic football season could potentially be plunged into chaos after a statement from Bangor City confirmed they are prepared to launch a legal challenge to overturn the FAW’s decision not to award them a Domestic Licence.
The club finished second in the Welsh Premier League table and have qualified for the UEFA Europa League qualifying rounds but will instead face imminent demotion after failing in their appeal to obtain a Domestic Licence.
Bangor officials are understood to have met with their legal representatives yesterday and believe they have a strong case to challenge the FAW’s verdict.
A statement released this morning from the club read: “As a club we will be doing everything we can to get this overturned. We are engaging legal representation to challenge the decision by FAW over an auditors opinion which could ultimately cost the Football Club hundreds of thousands of pounds.
“The club successfully qualifying for the Europa Cup qualification stage last season with a 4th place league finish and a playoff win. This season the club has been even more successful on the pitch finishing 2nd behind TNS which would mean we would automatically qualify for the Europa Cup Qualifying stage. The best league finish for six years and another step closer to becoming league champions.
“We have to do everything physically possible to give our fantastic fans what they deserve as well as add to the amazing history and success.
“The reasons for the failed licence were;
Annual Financial Statements
Future Financial Information
“We as a club feel that we have a strong case to take this further.
“We encourage as many supporters to come to the open fans forum on Monday evening at the club to discuss in greater detail what has happened and the direction of the club.
“The match on Tuesday evening Vs Liverpool U23 is still going ahead as planned and we really want everyone to show solidarity like last night’s away support at Bala which was overwhelming!”
A legal challenge would could cause severe disruption to the end of the Welsh Premier League season, with the end of season Europa League play-offs to due to commence on May 12th.
Bangor’s automatic European qualification spot for finishing runners-up has been awarded to third-place Connah’s Quay, and if Connah’s Quay gain another European spot by beating Aberystwyth in next Sunday’s Welsh Cup final, that spot would be passed down to fourth-placed Bala Town.
If Aberystwyth were to win the Welsh Cup, then Bala Town would join Cefn Druids, Cardiff Met and Barry Town in a four-way play-off to determine the final European qualifiers.
The FAW are yet to comment at time of writing.
