Cymru Premier to Feature 16 Teams Next Season
Bala Town and Colwyn Bay have successfully appealed to be granted a Football Association of Wales (FAW) Tier 1 licence for the 2026-27 season.
Currently, Colwyn Bay holds fourth place in the JD Cymru Premier standings, while Bala Town is positioned 11th and is engaged in a relegation battle with Flint Town United with one game remaining.
Both clubs initially had their licences refused due to issues related to personnel and administration.
Colwyn Bay, who are also competing for European qualification through the play-offs, have been awarded a UEFA licence for the upcoming season.
Holywell Town, having secured a top-three finish in the JD Cymru North, will participate in the Cymru Premier next season following a successful appeal.
Additionally, Caerau Ely, currently fourth in the Cymru South and contending with Ammanford for the third promotion spot, won their appeal, as did 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," said Jack Sharp, FAW's head of domestic leagues.
"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."
Licence Awards and Refusals for 2026-27 Season
Awarded UEFA Men's Licence: Colwyn Bay
Refused UEFA Men's Licence: Llanelli Town – Refused on Infrastructure, Personnel & Administration, Legal & Financial grounds.
Awarded FAW Men's Tier 1 Licence: Bala Town, Colwyn Bay, Holywell Town, Caerau Ely, Carmarthen Town
Refused FAW Men's Tier 1 Licence:
- Llantwit Major - Refused on Sporting, Infrastructure, Personnel & Administration, and Financial grounds.
- Newport City - Refused on Sporting, Infrastructure, Personnel & Administration, Legal & Financial grounds.
- Penrhyncoch - Refused on Sporting, Infrastructure, Personnel & Administration, and Financial grounds.
Withdrawn FAW Men's Tier 1 Licence Applications: Details not specified.
