Sian Gwenllian MS has called on the Welsh Government to press for the Welsh Cup Final to be held in North Wales, arguing that it is only fair for supporters and local communities to share in the economic and cultural benefits of hosting major sporting events.
Speaking in the Senedd, the MS asked: “How is the Cabinet Secretary working with the Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning to attract sporting events to north Wales?”
In response, the Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales highlighted recent successes in the region, noting that North Wales has hosted high-profile events including the Wrexham Open tennis championships, the trail world championships and the women’s Tour of Britain bike race. He also confirmed efforts to attract further major events, including nominating Wrexham as a host city for the FIFA World Cup in 2035.
Siân Gwenllian went on to urge the Government to go further — specifically by revisiting the location of the Welsh Cup Final.
Raising the matter directly in the chamber, she said:
“What I have in mind specifically are the final rounds of the Welsh Cup, and I have supported the calls to move the final of the Welsh Cup from Newport to north Wales, given that only clubs from north Wales are left in the competition, and congratulations to them.”
She noted that while the Football Association of Wales (FAW) had confirmed Rodney Parade in Newport as the venue for this year’s men’s final — acknowledging that “there are some contractual factors associated with that” — all four semi-finalists are from North Wales: Bangor, Flint, Rhyl and Caernarfon.
Calling for a constructive way forward, the Arfon MS asked the Cabinet Secretary to open discussions with the FAW about establishing a fair rotational system for the final:
“So, could I ask you, therefore, to discuss again with the FAW the possibility of holding the final in north Wales, on a regular rota perhaps, every other year or so? That would be a fair way forward in terms of the fans who spend their money to attend the final, but it would also be fair in terms of sharing the local economic benefit that stems from holding the Welsh Cup matches.”
The MS, who represents both Caernarfon and Bangor, emphasised that hosting the final in North Wales would not only recognise the strength of football in the region, but also ensure that supporters and local economies benefit more equitably from one of Welsh football’s showpiece occasions.
