FOOTBALL Association of Wales board members will meet on Monday to discuss the next steps for Tier 2 after they were granted ‘elite athlete’ status.

JD Cymru North and South clubs received some good news after Sport Wales gave them the green light for the new season to begin, and the governing body will determine the best possible solution for all parties involved at a video conference summit on Monday, November 30.

All 32 clubs have recently undergone site visits with FAW representatives to ensure that the stadiums are compliant with social distancing measures.

As part of the Return to Play Regulations, all players, technical staff, club officials, match officials and administrators who will require access to the red zone of the stadium, will have to undergo daily medical assessments and a temperature test upon arrival at the stadium.

Among the topics up for discussion at Monday’s meeting will be an official start date for the campaign, which The Journal understands will be in the New Year.

This will give clubs sufficient time to prepare fully after becoming increasingly frustrated by a lack of competitive action while tiers in England continue to be unaffected by the current COVID-19 restrictions.

Tier 3 clubs hoping for the same ruling will have to wait, with Sport Wales demanding the FAW conducts a review of Tier 2’s “implementation” for discussion and assessment before any formal decision is taken on the Ardal Leagues in January.

A FAW spokesman, said: “The FAW welcomes the cooperation of all 32 clubs and the new measures in place have helped to ensure that football at Tier 2 level will be able to start again in the near future.

“The Association is committed to doing all it can to support the potential return of Tier 3 Men’s, which is eligible to be given ‘elite status’ by Sport Wales. The Association will also continue its discussions with the Welsh Government to find a way forward for Tier 4 Men’s & Tier 2 Women’s and below.

“The FAW is fully aware of the frustration felt throughout the Welsh Football Family for those leagues that are currently unable to return, but it is important to recognise that the Association is not responsible for national COVID-19 policies and guidelines.”