FAW Formally Proposes Merthyr Town’s Transition from English to Welsh Football System

Merthyr Town, a club re-established in 2010 following the liquidation of Merthyr Tydfil FC, is being sought by Welsh football authorities to integrate into Wales’ domestic football structure. The Football Association of Wales (FAW) has presented to the Merthyr hierarchy, aiming to persuade them to depart the English non-league system and join an expanded Cymru Premier in 2026. Currently, Merthyr leads the Southern League Premier Division South, which represents step seven within the English football pyramid. The club stands as the sole remaining non-league team from Wales competing in the English system, alongside English Football League (EFL) clubs Swansea City, Cardiff City, Wrexham, and Newport County. Historically, the club has expressed a desire to remain within the English system. In the early 1990s, Merthyr was among several clubs that declined to join a newly formed League of Wales. At that time, the club, then competing in the Conference (now known as the National League), was granted permission by the Football Association of Wales to continue in the English pyramid following a successful appeal. While an aspiration to incorporate Merthyr into the domestic Welsh scene has long existed among some within the FAW, this marks the first instance of Welsh football’s governing body making a formal overture to the club regarding a potential move to the Welsh domestic set-up. This initiative is spearheaded by Jack Sharp, the FAW’s head of domestic football. He has provided a comprehensive analysis detailing the advantages of withdrawing from the English pyramid and becoming part of the Cymru Leagues within the next two years. Mr. Sharp delivered a presentation to the Merthyr board, who were also afforded the opportunity to seek clarifications on various points. In a statement, Merthyr confirmed that the FAW had “informed the club of their intentions” concerning Prosiect Cymru and the “restructuring of the Welsh leagues.” The statement further added, “The [Merthyr] board can categorically confirm that, in line with our society constitution as a community club, no decision would ever be made without the full engagement and understanding of the owners of the club.” The FAW had previously announced plans for the Cymru Premier to expand to 16 teams and introduce a new end-of-season split into three divisions, effective from the 2026-27 season. Wales’ current top flight comprises 12 clubs, which, after playing each other home and away, divides into two divisions of six teams. Wales head coach Craig Bellamy visited the Merthyr Town academy in early November. Merthyr is a club with a notable history, having achieved impressive FA Cup runs and nearing promotion to the Football League in the early 1990s, performing strongly in the fifth tier, then known as the Football Conference. The club has secured the Welsh Cup three times, with its most recent victory in 1987. This triumph famously led to their European Cup Winners’ Cup encounter against Atalanta, an event now woven into the town’s local lore. Their home ground, Penydarren Park, has undergone modernization, and the club benefits from a dedicated and enthusiastic fan base. While the club would undoubtedly enhance the Welsh domestic football landscape, Merthyr fans value their distinctive position within the English system and have cultivated amicable relationships with clubs across the border. Following the presentation regarding the potential transfer, the Merthyr board has had the opportunity to seek clarification on specific aspects of any prospective switch. This is understood to include how the club would integrate into the proposals outlined under the “Prosiect Cymru” initiative. “Prosiect Cymru” is a scheme designed for exiled clubs to participate in an enhanced Welsh League Cup. This competition would currently offer the four EFL teams – Swansea, Cardiff, Wrexham, and Newport – a pathway to European competition. As a fan-owned club, the ultimate decision regarding Merthyr’s potential move will be determined by a vote of its members.