THE battle to bring football back to long empty Welsh stadiums continued this week.

With the second Welsh lockdown ending on Monday it allowed elite clubs to resume training and competing in behind closed doors fixtures.

Currently elite status has only incorporated the JD Cymru Premier, English League sides Cardiff City, Swansea City and Newport County and English non league side Wrexham.

The Orchard Welsh Premier Women’s League has also been permitted to continue.

The Football Association of Wales (FAW) has confirmed it remains in talks with Sport Wales and the Welsh Government in the hope of getting the green light to permit more leagues to start.

FAW head of competitions Andrew Howard said: “The Welsh Government made an announcement last Monday, confirming the new regulations as Wales exits the lockdown.

“The key headlines from that announcement, applicable for domestic football were; Outdoor gatherings continued to be limited to 30 persons only; local lockdowns lifted meaning no restrictions on travel in Wales for amateur players; the return of elite status leagues and a new elite status cohort would be considered, which must sit between must the existing elite cohort and community sport.

“The FAW submitted its application to Welsh Government on Friday for a new cohort to be included in the new and revised elite definition and we await a decision on this.”

The main barrier to the resumption of football and sport in general remains the 30 person ruling which means clubs would be unable to field a full set of substitutes, coaching staff or allow spectators into their grounds.

The FAW hopes Sport Wales will give the green light to their application.

Mr Howard said: “Sport Wales has been provided with the responsibility to consider further additions to the elite designation to enable more team sports to be played outdoors where the 30 person gathering number has been restrictive.

“This will be done in a controlled and phased way where clear guidance is in place by sport governing bodies to protect all participants.”

Meanwhile Llanidloes Town remain keen to start their JD Cymru North season.

Chairman Kevin Brown said: “We will work with the Welsh FA and the JD Cymru North on whatever format they agree on for the league to commence.

“Our priority is the health and safety of the general public and our players and officials. Secondly we do need to protect the future of our football club.”