Football in Wales set to go ahead on day of King’s coronation

Football in Wales is set to go ahead on the day of the King’s coronation on May 6.

The Football Association of Wales cancelled all fixtures on the weekend following the death of the Queen in September, receiving criticism in particular for the decision to prevent children from playing by postponing youth-team matches.

But there will be no repeat when Charles is crowned at Westminster Abbey, with the JD Cymru Premier play-offs to determine European qualification among the fixtures due to take place in Wales that day.

Wales v Belgium – UEFA Nations League – Group 4 – Cardiff City Stadium
FAW chief executive Noel Mooney says the decision to cancel matches in Wales following the death of Queen Elizabeth II in September divided opinion in the country (David Davies/PA)

“The cancellation of matches divided some people here.

“A lot of people felt we should have done two minutes silence at the matches. Some people felt we went too far in cancelling everything.

“There was a feeling here we had time in the calendar that we could give that respect.

Royal visit to Luton
The King will be crowned in Westminster Abbey on May 6 (Daniel Leal/PA)

The FAW has confirmed the issue of royal patronage is currently “under review” following the death of the Queen.

It was reported by one media outlet last month that the Princess of Wales could take over the role as FAW patron, but that suggestion was strongly opposed by some Wales fans on social media.

Mooney said: “It is under review. We’re always looking to see what’s the right thing for the FAW to do, what’s the right thing for us as a country to do.

“At the same time we don’t want to become an organisation that’s divisive. We want to be an organisation that’s inclusive to everybody.

“We’re very sensitive around these matters, and I think it’s fair to say we showed a lot of respect when the Queen passed away.

“Going forward we have to keep thinking about the evolution of the Association and we will have discussions to see what people’s views are.

Diplomatic Corps reception at Buckingham Palace
It was reported last month that the Princess of Wales could succeed the Queen as patron of the Football Association of Wales (Victoria Jones/PA)

“We are a very broad church and we represent every political and historical spectrum in Cymru, and we must continue to do that.

“We will take our time in 2023 to look at it properly.

“Let’s gauge what’s happening around us, see what other organisations are doing and what is the appetite (to have royal patronage).”

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