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Bala, Colwyn Bay and Holywell win FAW Tier 1 licence appeals
TL;DR
Bala Town and Colwyn Bay successfully appealed for a Football Association of Wales Tier 1 licence for the 2025-26 season. Both clubs were initially denied due to personnel and administration issues.
Key points
- Bala Town and Colwyn Bay won FAW Tier 1 licence appeals
- Both clubs were initially denied due to personnel issues
- Colwyn Bay is fourth in the JD Cymru Premier table
- Bala Town is 11th and battling relegation
- The licence is for the 2025-26 season
Mentioned in this story
Football Association of Wales
Bala TownColwyn BayJD Cymru Premier
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 2025-26 season.
Bay are currently fourth in the JD Cymru Premier table while Bala are 11th and battling 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 still in contention for promotion, and Carmarthen Town were also successful with their appeals.
"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 â 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
Q&A
Why were Bala Town and Colwyn Bay denied the FAW Tier 1 licence initially?
Both clubs were denied the FAW Tier 1 licence due to personnel and administration grounds.
What position are Bala Town and Colwyn Bay currently in the JD Cymru Premier table?
Colwyn Bay is currently fourth, while Bala Town is 11th and fighting to avoid relegation.
What does winning the FAW Tier 1 licence mean for Bala Town and Colwyn Bay?
Winning the FAW Tier 1 licence allows both clubs to compete in the Cymru Premier for the 2025-26 season.
