Welsh Premier League Football - Welsh League votes to cut numbers

WELSH League clubs have voted to accept a directive from the FAW to cut their number to 50 for the new season.
All 54 clubs were represented at a special general meeting in Port Talbot and league officials had been instructed to ensure their three divisions each had 16 teams for 2010-11.
However, Risca United and Pontyclun both won appeals to stay in, which means Division Three will have 18 sides for this season only.
The top two divisions will each operate with 16. Two clubs, Troedyrhiw and Seven Sisters, relegated out of Welsh League football by last night’s decision, both gave notice they will appeal.
Alan Watkins (Llanwern) put forward a proposal that the league should launch their own appeal on behalf of clubs, saying: "If necessary we should take it to independent arbitration. This is about the indepence of this league."
Welsh League secretary Ken Tucker said: "We have to start playing football. We have been through the mire discussing this subject over the close season.
"Now it’s time to start playing. We have to adhere to the FAW, our governing body. If that doesn’t happen we become a rabble."
Only seven clubs voted for Watkins' proposal and the decision was taken to follow the FAW directive and have three divisions of 16, 16 and 18.
Welsh League fixtures were due to start this weekend, but delays because of the wrangle over who should be relegated means the first games are unlikely to be played until September 1.

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