CLUBS across the region have been warned that punishment will be taken if they are caught playing friendlies without approval.

One unnamed club operating under the North Wales Coast Football Association banner is already in “serious trouble” after playing a fixture against Welsh government and Football Association of Wales guidelines recently.

At the present time, no team in Wales can compete in a friendly fixture against another due to social distancing measures relating to the coronavirus pandemic.

Teams were permitted to start training once again in the lead-up to the new campaign, which is set to get back underway next month.

The FAW are believed to be considering a September 11 start date for all leagues, providing there is no spike in cases that could lead to further measures being taken to enhance safety A message to the league’s Facebook group from Bryan Roberts, read: NOTICE - under no circumstances can you play friendlies.

“One club associated with our league are already in serious trouble over this. So be warned.”

Things will look far different next season thanks to the new FAW structure being implemented from Tier 3 down, which has resulted in four NWCFA leagues that will fall into East and West categories.

No formal announcement has yet been made regarding the resumption of competitive fixtures, and should follow shortly after Welsh government approval.