European dream over for Ryan Reynolds, Rob McElhenney & Wrexham? Contentious plans met with opposition from EFL

The Red Dragons – along with Swansea, Cardiff and Newport – thought that a backdoor into continental competition had been found. Despite plying their trade in the English Football League, invitations to rejoin the Welsh League Cup have been speculated on.

Success in that competition would see the victors qualify for the Conference League, potentially bringing European football back to places such as SToK Racecourse. Wrexham, with Hollywood co-owners at the helm, were understandably keen to explore that proposition.

The Daily Mail is, however, reporting that the Welsh Cup plans are being met with opposition from the EFL. That organisation is said to have written to the FA outlining why it would be well within its rights to turn down any requests.

The EFL believes qualification for Europe from Welsh clubs would raise integrity issues, as they would be able to generate greater revenue than a number of English rivals. It would also make scheduling difficult in what is an already packed fixture list.

The FA board of directors is due to discuss the matter early in 2025, with it considered unlikely that they will allow proposals to go ahead that do not boast the full support of the EFL. UEFA approval would also be required in order for the Welsh clubs to surrender their right to qualification through English competitions – outside of Premier League standing – and head down a different avenue.