The Appeals Body (AB) met today (16 April) to consider the appeals as a result of the First Instance Body decisions (8 April) on UEFA and FAW Men’s Tier 1 applications.
The FAW received five appeals for consideration from Bala Town, Caerau Ely, Carmarthen Town, Colwyn Bay and Holywell Town.
All clubs were successful with their appeal.
As a result, this concludes the UEFA & Tier 1 Club Licensing cycle for participation in UEFA and Tier 1 Competitions for the 2026/27 season.
A record number of 22 clubs have achieved the Tier 1 Club Licence, marking a significant increase compared to previous seasons, where 16 clubs secured the licence. This success reflects the excellent work carried out behind the scenes by all clubs in securing their licence. Club Licensing provides a framework that supports clubs in strengthening their off-field operations, helping to professionalise their structures for participation in the Cymru Premier.
In addition, 10 of the JD Cymru Premier clubs achieved a UEFA Licence.
Jack Sharp, FAW Head of Domestic Leagues, said: “It has taken a significant collective effort to ensure 22 clubs have gained a Tier 1 licence ahead of the 2026/27 season and the relaunch of the Cymru Premier. Massive credit must go to every club that has invested the time, commitment and resources required to meet these standards.
“When we announced the new Cymru Premier structure in September 2024, I recognised the scale of the challenge to deliver a 16-team league defined by sporting merit. To get to this moment has required careful strategic planning, and strong collaboration with our clubs. Our £1.2 million investment into the Cymru North and South through the Future Growth Fund has played an important role in enabling clubs to enhance their infrastructure, but this is only one part of a much broader process.
“I am extremely proud of the work carried out by the Domestic Football and Club Licensing team, who have supported clubs across all areas since September, to give us the best possible opportunity to reach this point and share today’s positive news. We now look ahead with excitement to how the final weekend of the season unfolds.”
Please see below the final list of clubs that have been awarded a men’s UEFA & Tier 1 Club Licence for the 2026/27 season.
Awarded UEFA Men’s Licence for 2026/27 season (10 clubs)
Barry Town United
Briton Ferry Llansawel
Caernarfon Town
Cardiff Met
Colwyn Bay
Connah’s Quay Nomads
Flint Town United
Haverfordwest County
Penybont
The New Saints
Refused UEFA Men’s Licence for 2026/27 season (1 club)
Llanelli Town – Refused on Infrastructure, Personnel & Administration, Legal & Financial
Awarded FAW Men’s Tier 1 Licence for 2026/27 season (22 clubs)
Aberystwyth Town
Airbus UK Broughton
Ammanford
Bala Town
Barry Town United
Briton Ferry Llansawel
Caerau Ely
Caernarfon Town
Cambrian United
Cardiff Met
Carmarthen Town
Colwyn Bay
Connah’s Quay Nomads
Flint Town United
Haverfordwest County
Holywell Town
Llandudno
Llanelli Town
Newtown
Penybont
The New Saints
Trefelin BGC
Refused FAW Men’s Tier 1 Licence for 2026/27 season (3 clubs)
Llantwit Major – Refused on Sporting, Infrastructure, Personnel & Administration and Financial
Newport City – Refused on Sporting, Infrastructure, Personnel & Administration, Legal & Financial
Penrhyncoch – Refused on Sporting, Infrastructure, Personnel & Administration and Financial
Withdrawn FAW Men’s Tier 1 Licence Applications for 2026/2027 season (9 clubs)
Afan Lido
Brickfield Rangers
Buckley Town
CPD Y Rhyl 1879
Denbigh Town
Gresford Athletic
Guilsfield
Pontypridd United
Ruthin Town
The Appeals Body extended its congratulations to those clubs successful in attaining UEFA and Tier 1 licences.
