Three North Wales clubs have been awarded FAW licences to play in the Cymru Premier on appeal.
Bala Town and Colwyn Bay were at risk of immediate relegation after an FAW panel rejected their Tier One applications last week on personnel and administration grounds.
But both clubs successfully appealed the decision along with Holywell Town, who have been promoted from the Cymru North.
It means the Lakesiders’ top-flight future will be decided on the pitch this weekend as the season reaches its climax.
Bala, who are currently second bottom in the table and two points off safety, need to beat Briton Ferry Llansawel at home on Saturday (5.15pm ko) and hope Flint Town United lose at Cardiff Met.
Colwyn Bay, who are fourth, can now concentrate on their push for European football in the end-of-season play-offs, following their final game at Connah’s Quay Nomads.
Holywell, who last played in the then-League of Wales in 1999, are promoted from the Cymru North with a game to spare alongside champions Llandudno and runners-up Airbus UK Broughton.
The FAW said a record 22 clubs had secured Tier One licences for next season - a pre-requisite for playing in the top flight of domestic men’s football in Wales - including Caerau Ely and Carmarthen Town, who also won their appeals.
Jack Sharp, head of the FAW’s 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.”
Ten of the twelve Cymru Premier teams from this season also secured UEFA licences to play in the European club competitions.
Caernarfon Town have already qualified for next season’s UEFA Conference League after winning the Welsh Cup for the first time in their history last weekend.
The club is offering free tickets to their final game of the season - at home to Penybont at Llandudno’s Maesdu Park on Saturday evening.
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