The JD Cymru North and JD Cymru South – which form the second tier of men’s domestic football in Wales – have had the 2020/21 officially cancelled, following an announcement from the FAW last night.
Under Welsh Government restrictions, neither league had been able to start the season and had been preparing for a reduced 15-game season.
The FAW’s decision to allow the Tier 2 season to begin had been pending on either Welsh Government lowering its Alert Level or the National Sports Group (NSG) granting the Tier 2 leagues ‘Elite Status’.
A statement from FAW read: “The Football Association of Wales has received clarification that the JD Cymru North and JD Cymru South have not had their ‘Elite Status’ designation reinstated by the National Sport Group (NSG).”
“As a result, the 2020/21 season has been cancelled for these competitions due to the ongoing public health crisis and the current Welsh Government COVID-19 alert level, leaving insufficient time to safely complete a reduced season.
“The NSG includes representation from Sport Wales, Welsh Sports Association, Commonwealth Games and the Welsh Government.
“The FAW fully understands the frustrations felt by many throughout the country of not being able to play, volunteer and support their clubs. However, these are unprecedented times and the FAW is not responsible for the national COVID-19 policies and guidelines, which are in place to keep the nation as safe as possible.”
Clubs in the JD Cymru North and South had been divided as to whether they should return to playing a crammed fixture schedule under the current conditions.
Following the announcement club officials, coaches and players have expressed their frustration at the lack of clarity and communication over the handling of decision on social media.
This decision will also have a wider impact on the JD Cymru Premier league and 2020/21 JD Welsh Cup.
The JD Cymru Premier clubs are now unlikely to face relegation at the end of the season, leaving the six bottom-half clubs with nothing to play for in Phase 2 of the season.
Uncertainty also surrounds the format of the JD Welsh Cup, which needs to be completed by the 30th May and is yet to commence.
Earlier this month, it was confirmed that all 32 JD Cymru North and South clubs had applied for the Tier 2 domestic licence for the 2021/22 season, as well as 24 Tier 3 clubs.
Featured image courtesy of John Smith/FAW
