Former Premier League striker Darren Bent has called for Wrexham to be expelled from the English Football League if they participate in a proposed Welsh League Cup competition.
The talkSPORT pundit delivered his stark warning on Wednesday’s Drive show, following revelations about plans for a new Welsh domestic cup tournament.
“I don’t think they should be able to back door it into Europe,” Bent said on talkSPORT.
“You’ve made your decision now, you’re in the EFL,” he added.
Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney’s Wrexham could take part in a Welsh League Cup competition
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“They should be kicked out of the EFL if they do enter into this cup.”
The controversial plans would see Wrexham join fellow EFL clubs Cardiff City, Swansea City and Newport County in competing against teams from Wales’ top flight.
The Welsh FA has already presented the proposals to UEFA and both the Welsh and UK governments.
The proposed competition would feature 16 teams competing in single-leg knockout matches, with the winner qualifying for the UEFA Conference League under the Welsh coefficient.
The tournament would pit the four EFL clubs against 12 teams from Wales’ top flight division.
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For Wrexham owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, the prospect of European competition and its associated revenue presents an enticing opportunity.
The competition is planned to launch in the 2025-26 season.
The Welsh FA has designed the format to allow the four EFL clubs to maintain their status in the English football pyramid.
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Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney’s Wrexham could take part in the Welsh League Cup
PA
A £3 million prize fund has been established, though the EFL clubs would not receive a share of this money.
£1 million of the funds would be specifically allocated to developing the Welsh Premier League.
Welsh FA chief executive Noel Mooney has strongly defended the proposed competition, highlighting its potential impact on Welsh football’s development.
“This really does change the revenues of Welsh football,” Mooney told BBC Wales.
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Darren Bent told the EFL to boot Wrexham out if they join the competition
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He emphasised the broader benefits for Welsh football infrastructure: “We need better grassroots facilities, investments into the women’s game.”
Mooney challenged those opposing the plans: “If people object to this idea, I really think they’re holding back Wales.”
“What would be someone’s motivation to hold back Wales as a country trying to stand on its own two feet as a football nation?” he added.
The Welsh FA chief praised the four EFL clubs for their support, saying: “I have to thank the four top-ranked clubs in the English system for understanding that we need resources.”