‘A total farce’

Local football officials are believed to be up-in-arms after being slapped with a £1,000 fine by the Football Association of Wales (FAW).

It comes after some JT Hughes Montgomeryshire Amateur League matches were played on the same day as Wales hosted a World Cup qualifier in Cardiff on November 12, breaching FAW regulations that tell all local football leagues to leave the day blank.

Local officials are publicly tight lipped about the fine, with any sign of dissent likely to lead to more punishment, but there has certainly been plenty of head shaking off the record.

An emergency meeting was held last week where clubs were told the news in person. They were also informed that £800 of the fine would be suspended, leaving only £200 to be paid.

Nevertheless, it has still stirred up reaction with one club official telling us: “It’s a total farce really. This is grass roots football. Lads wanted to play so let them.”

Wales themselves landed in hot water following the 1-1 draw with Serbia after FIFA slapped them with a £15,000 fine for displaying poppies during the World Cup qualifier.

The League has a chance to appeal the fine, but at the time of writing it is not thought that they will take up the option.