THE fate of 16 mid Wales clubs will be decided on Friday (today) as the Football Association of Wales (FAW) unveil the new regional third division leagues.

As part of a national pyramid restructure the FAW will launch four new regional third divisions encompassing north east, north west, south east and south west Wales.

Llanfair United’s place is secure following their relegation from JD Cymru North last season.

However the waiting game goes on for Bow Street, Caersws, Carno, Berriew, Four Crosses, Kerry, Llansantffraid, Llandrindod Wells, Montgomery Town, Welshpool Town and Builth Wells of MMP NL Mid Wales League One.

Meanwhile Borth United, Machynlleth, Rhayader Town, Penparcau and Dolgellau, who competed in MMP-NL Mid Wales League Two last season, have also met criteria and will learn their fate on Friday.

More than 100 clubs applied for tier three membership with the FAW awarding 77 licenses to clubs across Wales.

At the time the County Times went to press the FAW national board heard the appeals of clubs who had failed to meet the criteria in the first instance ahead of the announcement of the new leagues on Friday.

FAW spokesman Steve Jones said: “Since 2018, approximately £800,000 of Welsh Ground Improvements funding has been allocated to tier three clubs, and to those clubs aspiring to be in tier three, to assist them.

“It has been fantastic to witness first hand the improvements to grounds across Wales and I cannot credit the clubs and their hard working volunteers enough for the commitment they have shown to meet the tier three standard.

“This is reflected in the positive number of clubs that have been successful with their applications.”

The creation of a new level of the national pyramid will see the third divisions come under the control of the FAW with the existing Mid Wales League dropping to level four and the control of the Central Wales Football Association (CWFA).

Clubs who miss out on third tier selection will make up the new Mid Wales League East and Mid Wales League West which are also set for launch next season.

Mid Wales clubs have been divided in their reaction to the establishment of a new pyramid.

Last week Welshpool Town Football Club spokesman Russell Cadwallader backed the league and hoped the Maesydre club would be included - citing it would help raise standards of mid Wales clubs.

Meanwhile Aberaeron Football Club and Tywyn Bryncrug Football Club withdrew applications and voiced concern over cost and potentially being placed in a south Wales League.