THE FOOTBALL Association of Wales has suspended all ‘non-elite’ football across the country following the latest lockdown measures confirmed by the Welsh Government.

Following the announcement that Wales entered an alert level four lockdown from midnight on Sunday, December 20 for a minimum of three weeks, the governing body confirmed that all non-professional and non-elite activity has been suspended.

This is in accordance with the FAW’s return to play protocols and do not include the JD Cymru Premier, North and South leagues after they were granted ‘elite athlete’ status by Sport Wales.

A statement from the FAW, read: “The FAW urges everyone to follow the Welsh Government guidelines during the alert level 4 lockdown to limit the spread of COVID-19.

“The FAW is currently seeking clarification from the Welsh Government on the level of restrictions that will be in place following the end of this lockdown period, to ascertain what football activity can resume.”

This represents another significant blow for the grassroots game in Wales and puts an abrupt end to the friendly fixtures currently taking place across the region.

Many clubs are now left in limbo regarding a possible start date and whether any competitive action will be seen at all this season as coronavirus concerns continue to impact sporting activity.