The FAW can confirm that neutral venues will no longer host semi-final ties in any of the association’s cup competitions from the 2026/27 season.
As per competition rules, semi-final ties will now be played at the venue of the club drawn at home. The rule has been implemented following significant research and a successful trial in the Arena Projects Youth Cup and Bute Energy U16s Cup in the 2025/26 season.
The decision has been taken to help clubs attract stronger crowds, create memorable matchdays and support clubs in generating revenue.
Historically, neutral semi-final matches have attracted smaller attendances than comparative league matches. For example, the average men’s Welsh Cup semi-final attendance in the last three seasons has been 272, 42% lower than the average Novira Cymru Premier attendance for the same period. Therefore, it is hoped that removing neutral venues will maximise crowd numbers and create an enhanced product image for potential broadcast and commercial purposes.
The change will allow the funding ringfenced for these matches to be repurposed into enhanced prize money for various Welsh domestic competitions in both the men’s and women’s game.
As part of the transition period, the away club in each semi-final tie in the FAW Welsh Cup and Bute Energy Welsh Cup will receive £1,000 to ensure they are compensated for not having the opportunity to be at home and generate income.
