The Future of the FAW Premier Cup

Premier Cup
By Chris O'Brien
April 19 2004

The FAW Premier Cup is likely to be still in existence next season, despite the rights for Welsh domestic football recently being sold to Sky. BBC Wales have entered talks with the Premier Cup board in an attempt to keep the competition going.

BBC are hoping to continue with the FAW Premier Cup, despite Welsh football rights on both the domestic and international front being lost to Sky recently.

The rights to the competition were handed over to Sky along with rights to home and away Wales international matches, Welsh Cup rights and Welsh Premier rights, and with the manufactured Premier Cup unlikely to be part of Sky's plans for the future, many supporters felt the future of the tournament could be in danger. However, BBC's head of sport in Wales, Nick Walker, has announced that talks are currently taking place between the broadcasting corporation and the FAW Premier Cup board with an aim to keep the competition matches screened live on the BBC, with the existing format of prize money continuing.

The Premier Cup has been in existent since the 1997/1998 season, but has failed to capture the imagination of supporters across the principality as many at the BBC had hoped. Crowds have been low, and the Bluebirds fielding weaker sides in recent seasons has not helped the value of the competition. However, screening matches on terrestrial television in Wales has returned surprisingly high viewing figures for BBC Wales, which is why the television company are keen to keep hold of the tournament.

The three Football League 'exiles', the highest placed non-league Welsh club and the 8 best-placed Welsh Premier clubs qualify for the competition, with prize money the key incentive for the clubs taking part. A cheque for £100,000 is awarded to the winners, with half this amount given to the runners-up. There are additional cash prizes for teams exiting at each stage, and there is even a prize of £6,500 for each time who qualifies. This prize money is vital for all clubs taking part, so the news that the competition is likely to continue will be a boost to all involved, despite owner Sam Hammam's ridiculous plans last season to try and withdraw the Bluebirds from the competition.

City were knocked out of the competition this season by North Wales rivals Wrexham, with the Robins victorious on penalties after the game couldn't be decided after normal and extra-time. Denis Smith's Second Division outfit will now face Welsh Premier leaders Rhyl for the trophy at Belle Vue in May.