Bala, Colwyn Bay and Holywell win FAW Tier 1 licence appeals

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The Cymru Premier will have 16 teams from next season [FAW]

Bala Town and Colwyn Bay have won their appeals to be granted a Football Association of Wales (FAW) Tier 1 licence for the 2026-27 season.

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Bay are currently fourth in the JD Cymru Premier table while Bala are 11th and battling it out with Flint Town United to avoid relegation with one game remaining.

Both clubs were refused licences on personnel and administration grounds.

Colwyn Bay, who are in the hunt for European qualification via the play-offs, have also been awarded an Uefa licence for next season.

Holywell Town, who have guaranteed a top-three finish in the JD Cymru North, will play in the Cymru Premier next season after winning their appeal.

Caerau Ely, currently fourth in the Cymru South and competing with Ammanford for the third promotion slot were also successful with their appeal, as were Carmarthen Town.

"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," the FAW's head of domestic leagues, Jack Sharp, said.

"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."

Awarded Uefa Men's Licence for 2026-27 season

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

Llanelli Town – Refused on Infrastructure, Personnel & Administration, Legal & Financial

Awarded FAW Men's Tier 1 Licence for 2026-27 season

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

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

Afan Lido

Brickfield Rangers

Buckley Town

CPD Y Rhyl 1879

Denbigh Town

Gresford Athletic

Guilsfield

Pontypridd United

Ruthin Town

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