CLUBS across the country hoping for a return to competitive action in the near future will have to wait.

Following the Welsh Government’s announcement to extend the Level 4 lockdown throughout the country for a further three weeks, the Football Association of Wales confirmed that the postponement of all JD Cymru Premier fixtures will be extended during this period.

This is despite matches between professional clubs being permitted to take place as part of the Welsh Government Control Plan.

The ruling also means that JD Cymru North and South clubs, who were granted ‘elite athlete’ status by Sport Wales in December, will also have to wait for the start of their respective campaigns.

The outlook looks far bleaker for Tier 3, 4 and 5 clubs, with no formal plans put in place to begin their seasons due to the current climate.

A Cymru Leagues spokesman, said: “Following the First Minister’s announcement that the lockdown in Wales will continue for at least another three weeks, the JD Cymru Premier has decided to postpone the remainder of January’s fixtures.

“Although fixtures between professional clubs are permitted to take place during this Alert Level 4 lockdown of the Welsh Government Control Plan, the league fully takes into consideration the current public health crisis.

“The JD Cymru Premier and its clubs continue to urge everyone to follow the Welsh Government guidelines to limit the spread of COVID-19 in order to keep people safe and lessen the impact on NHS Wales.”

This is yet another devastating blow to domestic football across the country, which hasn’t seen anything in the way of meaningful action across the Welsh pyramid since March last year.