August 11, 2022 - 1656 views
Colwyn Bay have been dealt a blow after being ejected from the Nathaniel MG Cup after what Chairman Neil Coverley desribed as an "honest mistake".
The Seagulls won a thrilling penalty shoot-out 5-4 against Cymru Premier opponents Flint Town United in round two of the Nathaniel MG Cup – only to later hear they had been eliminated for a breach of a rule regarding substitutes.
The FAW's National League Board met and decided action should be taken. Quoting Cymru Premier Rule 13, the FAW stated: "If any Club uses four (4) substitutes in any Match, then at least one (1) must be a Youth Substitute (as defined below) and if any Club uses five (5) substitutes in any Match (or six (6) in a Play-Off Match which goes to extra time), then at least two (2) must be Youth Substitutes, except that a Club may at any time replace their goalkeeper with a substitute who is a recognised goalkeeper on either List A or List B instead of using one (1) such Youth Substitute."
"Clubs may nominate up to five (5) substitutes and up to two (2) additional substitutes (who are aged not more than 19 on 31st August of the applicable season, known as ‘Youth Substitutes’) provided each Youth Substitute is registered for the Club with the FAW and is eligible to participate in Matches in accordance with the FAW Rules and FAW Regulations."
Flint Town United have subsequently been reinstated back into the competition.
Colwyn Bay's Chairman Neil Coverley said: "We fully accept and understand the decision of the FAW earlier today. It’s a lesson we will learn from. We are very sorry for the embarrassment and disappointment it has caused our staff, supporters and players.
"After such a positive evening it was frustrating to learn that an honest mistake would have this consequence served upon us. Once again deepest apologies."
