Wrexham AFC, owned by Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, is once again making headlines. This time, it’s not because of their recent rise through the English football ranks, but of their involvement in talks that could open the door for the club’s participation in European competitions. Nevertheless, not everyone is on board with this plan.

Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson talked about an idea. This would let the club play in European Cup games through Wales. Reports say the “Prosiect Cymru” or Project Wales plan will have Wrexham and Wales’ three other English Football League (EFL) teams play in the Welsh League Cup, or the Nathaniel MG Cup. They are Swansea City, Cardiff City, and Newport County.

This may allow these teams to qualify for the Europa Conference League by passing the English competition route, where they face stiff Premier League teams and top-league teams in the FA and EFL Cups. For these clubs, which traditionally played out within the English system despite being based in Wales, it would provide a direct door into European football without the hot competition on the other side of the English border.

Despite the excitement from camp, not everyone is thrilled about the proposal. Lloyd Williams, a voice representing the interests of the Cymru Premier teams, criticized the idea, arguing that it’s unfair for EFL teams to have a shot at European football through the Welsh Cup competitions. Williams emphasized that if Wrexham and others want to enjoy the benefits of playing in the English pyramid, they should stick with those competitions and said to “stay in England”.

He said teams like Wrexham have good chances of winning the English Premier League, FA Cup, and EFL Cup. This guarantees them a spot in the Welsh League Cup. He is worried that this inflow into the Welsh league would allow EFL clubs to compete against Cymru Premier ones. “Just because TNS (The New Saints) have qualified for Europe, it doesn’t necessarily mean that Cardiff or Swansea or Wrexham or Newport would.”

The FAW stands at a crossroads

The Football Association of Wales now has two options in front of them. Choosing one option over the other could mean threading the needle. Any change would change the face of football in Wales if this proposal is implemented. Wrexham, Cardiff City, Swansea City, and maybe Newport County could benefit most. They would get a real chance at playing in Europe. The interests of both groups must be considered. We need to make sure the system stays fair and competitive for everyone in the Cymru Premier.

The decision would have implications for the vision that Reynolds and McElhenney have for Wrexham. An opportunity to play in Europe would be excellent. This could raise the club’s status among football teams. But this change may also cause disagreement among Welsh footballers. Some want the club to “stay in England” and keep its long history.

As the FAW weighs its options, the future for Wrexham and the other EFL clubs hangs in the balance. Fans, players, and owners alike will be closely watching to see whether their European dreams become a reality—or remain just that, a dream.