THE FOOTBALL Association of Wales shot themselves in the foot once again regarding the cancellation of the domestic football season.

A leak to BBC Wales Sport regarding the curtailing of all remaining fixtures due to the coronavirus pandemic was a slight on local and national media outlets that give extensive exposure to all leagues across the pyramid.

That is not counting the fact that the FAW didn’t even have the common courtesy to inform those clubs involved of their decision. Instead, they thought it might be more beneficial for Connah’s Quay Nomads, Prestatyn Town and others to find out their fate on social media.

And the FAW are still leaving certain clubs in limbo regarding their plans for next season. Surely a contingency plan must have been mustered at some stage regarding promotion or relegation with the cancellation of the season a real possibility? But they stated a decision is expected in “due course”, whenever that may be.

A lot of people, including myself, give up countless hours on improving the exposure of the domestic game. This comes with little help from the FAW.

Those people working hard at Sgorio, the volunteer writers at Y Clwb Pel Droed and other websites should rightfully feel aggrieved at the way this whole mess has been handled by the sport’s governing body.

This is nothing against BBC Wales Sport. If you get the information handed to you then it is your duty to report it before anyone. But the FAW’s thought process regarding this communication, or lack thereof, is absolutely mind-boggling.

Media and broadcast journalists in this country who are passionate about the Welsh domestic system deserve better. As do those incredibly hard-working volunteers at clubs across the land, players, coaching staff and supporters.

This latest debacle typifies the way the FAW have handled the situation regarding Covid-19. This is a decision that should have been made weeks ago and a series of extension delays only gave out false hope to those chasing silverware.

If they want people to start taking football in Wales more seriously, then this all starts at the very top. With so many tier structure changes coming in next season, the FAW go into a pivotal period for the domestic game with plenty scrutinising their methods.

Whether things change or not remains to be seen, but it does make you wonder whether all the hard work, hours of dedication and sacrifice are all worth it in the long run?