Controversial plans to revamp the Welsh League Cup have taken a step closer, according to the FAW.

The governing body says the four Welsh EFL clubs - including Cardiff City and Newport County - will now need only approval from the Football Association in England to take part alongside the twelve Cymru Premier teams.

The winners of the revamped competition would go through to the qualifying stages of the Europa Conference League.

But Barry Town United says it has yet to give its "unequovical support" to the proposals, despite the FAW's claims that all of the league's clubs have given their "unanimous backing".

Currently, the competition - known as the Nathaniel MG Cup - involves all 44 teams from the Cymru Leagues along with a number of wildcard entries, which this season, have included the U21 teams from Cardiff City, Swansea City and Newport County, along with Merthyr Tydfil.

The 'Proseict Cymru' plans would see the league cup reduced to sixteen teams - including the twelve Welsh top-flight teams and the four Welsh clubs from the EFL, including Wrexham, with second-tier clubs from the Cymru North and the Cymru South no longer involved.

In return, the EFL clubs would no longer be able to qualify for Europe via any of the English competitions - such as in 2013, when Swansea reached the Europa League after winning the League Cup.

The FAW says the new competition, which could start as early as next season, would generate an extra £3 million per season to be spent on grassroots infrastructure, women's football and both tiers of the men's Cymru Leagues.

A review would be held after four years with "all options on the table" if it is not "delivering the intended benefits" for Welsh football and key stakeholders.

Chief executive Noel Mooney said: "This will be a gamechanger for the development of the game as we work to unlock the full potential of Welsh football."

"It will unite Welsh football, improve the game at all levels, and deliver meaningful societal benefits across Wales making our clubs and communities more sustainable."

"It will generate significant additional revenue through a revamped Welsh League Cup competition with expanded participation of the four highest ranked Welsh clubs that participate in the English football pyramid. This will be distributed throughout the JD Cymru Premier, Genero Adran Premier and grassroots facilities across the country."

“It also represents the spirit of collaboration and cooperation among football associations across the United Kingdom ahead of the home nations’ joint co-hosting EURO 2028.”

But for its part, Barry Town United said it believed the proposals were still in the exploratory phase, following a meeting held last September with the FAW.

In a statement, they said the twelve Cymru Premier teams had collectively agreed to look further into the Prosiect Cymru plans - and belived further details would be shared before a formal decision was made.

A club spokesperson added: "We wish to reassure our supporters that we have not yet given our unequivocal support to the proposal."

"We are awaiting more comprehensive information and responses to the questions we have raised, which we will share with our members once clarified."

"We recognise that this matter is likely to spark considerable discussion within the club, and we welcome all questions or concerns to be directed to David Cole (club secretary) via email. As more details are made available, we will organise a members' meeting to engage in a full and open debate on the proposal."

When contacted by Bro Radio News for a response to Barry's statement, an FAW spokesperson declined to make any further comment.

For its part, the governing body says the four EFL teams have agreed to exclude any profit derived from representing Wales in UEFA competitions for financial regulations in the EFL or the Premier League.

Their statement noted the disparity in the funding of grassroots facilities between Wales and England.

An FAW spokesperson said: "Since 2022, the Cymru Football Foundation has received £17million, whilst the English Football Foundation has received £327million to invest into grassroots facilities."

"Therefore, new funding streams, such as the revamped League Cup, are needed to improve the game in Wales. The plan has also been discussed with European football’s governing body UEFA as well as the Secretary of State for Wales and the Welsh Government."

"It is now subject to a final decision by the Football Association which must approve the participation of clubs playing in English competitions."

The FAW said it was also essential for Wales to claim its "deserved position" in European football rather than its current "unnaturally low" ranking due to its highest ranked clubs not representing Wales in Europe

They insisted the proposed shake-up to the Welsh League Cup would increase the chances of better performances by Welsh teams in Europe by a larger group of clubs.