THE Football Association of Wales (FAW) has “gratefully accepted” financial support from FIFA’s Covid-19 relief plan to set up a Matchday Support Grant to protect the future of the domestic game.

The Relief Plan provides each of the 211 FIFA member associations and six confederations with a Solidarity Grant of $1m (circa £750K), in addition to a specific Women’s Football grant of $500K (circa £375K) to assist in the alleviation of the financial impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

This grant will provide support to eligible FAW and Area Association affiliated clubs across Tiers 1-4 of the men’s pyramid and Tiers 1-2 of the women’s structure.

It has been implemented by FIFA to enable beneficiaries in pursuit of protecting football from the adverse economic effects of the pandemic.

An FAW spokesman, said: “As a not-for-profit organisation, the FAW, like many other National Associations has been forced to make difficult decisions during the Covid-19 pandemic, which will see significant financial losses to the association.

“The FAW board has determined that the principal use and majority of the financial aid available should, however, be used to protect clubs across our National Leagues during this difficult time.”

The governing body added they were “working closely” with affiliated clubs and area associations to communicate the grant’s purpose, eligibility, size of grant and the application process.

A total of 108 football clubs have reportedly been given financial support from the Be Active Wales Fund, which has been organised by Sport Wales after securing the necessary funding from the Welsh Government.