Keith Davies AM Takes AFC Llanelli Case to Sports Minister

Disappointed with the Football Association Wales’ (FAW) decision not to allow AFC Llanelli in to the Welsh League Division Three, the Llanelli AM has raised the matter with the Welsh Government Sports Minister.

Keith Davies AM met with the Minister on Wednesday and asked a question in the Senedd the day before. Both times he expressed his support for “The Reds” and emphasised their contribution to the Llanelli community. The Llanelli AM asked the Minister to look into the matter in greater detail. The Minister has written to the FAW asking for full information.

On 13th June the FAW decided that AFC Llanelli, as a reformed club, ought not to enter MacWhirter League Division 3 and instead must re-join its local Carmarthenshire league. A similar situation to Barry Town AFC.

Keith Davies AM said:

“I have added my voice to the call for the FAW to reverse its decision; this has serious implications for football and its development as a game across Wales.”

“AFC Llanelli has a reputation to be proud of having represented Wales in Europe – winning the Welsh Cup in 2010/11. Their academy offers training opportunities to young players and the club hosts a stadium Welsh football cannot afford to lose.”

“This is a disappointing decision from the FAW and I will be working hard to reverse it. I have already met with club representatives and written to Welsh Football clubs urging them to call an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM). I am now pleased that an EGM has been called for next Tuesday and I eagerly await the results.”

The Minister for Culture and Sports, John Griffiths AM, said:

“I am aware of how much football matters to local communities and how much football clubs matter to local people. The Member has made me perfectly aware, in other conversations, of the strength of feeling locally, and his own strength of feeling, on these matters.”

“My officials have contacted the Football Association of Wales over Llanelli Association Football Club. The FAW advises that it is in discussion with the club’s supporters group in order to consider its future and the way ahead.”

“I can assure Keith Davies that I will indeed look into these matters generally, although they are essentially matters for the FAW.”