HOPES of starting the JD Cymru South campaign have been shattered, after the Football Association of Wales confirmed that all tier two football has been scrapped.

The two second-tier leagues have not had their ‘elite status’ reinstated by the National Sport Group and - despite hopes of starting the season later this month - it was no longer deemed feasible.

Both the southern and northern leagues had revised their formats to accommodate the delayed start to the season, with 15 games scheduled rather than 30, but even those will now not be played.

Elite status was in fact granted to second-tier clubs in November, which allowed them to compete in the Nathaniel MG Cup – but that competition has since been scrapped.

Discussions will now take place on the future of the Welsh Cup, which was due to start in April with the inclusion of second tier clubs – with a Europa League position up for grabs.

It is likely that promotion and relegation will not be implemented from Wales’ top flight this season, however, if all clubs in the top flight achieve their domestic licences.

The JD Cymru Premier and the Welsh Premier Women’s League resumed earlier in March, after having their elite status reinstated, and are the only leagues left to complete their seasons.

An FAW statement read: “The Football Association of Wales has received clarification that the JD Cymru North and JD Cymru South have not had their ‘Elite Status’ designation reinstated by the National Sport Group (NSG).

“As a result, the 2020/21 season has been cancelled for these competitions, due to the ongoing public health crisis and the current Welsh Government COVID-19 alert level, leaving insufficient time to safely complete a reduced season.

“The NSG includes representation from Sport Wales, Welsh Sports Association, Commonwealth Games and the Welsh Government.

“The FAW fully understands the frustrations felt by many throughout the country of not being able to play, volunteer and support their clubs.

“These are unprecedented times and the FAW is not responsible for the national COVID-19 policies and guidelines, which are in place to keep the nation as safe as possible.

“The FAW continues to encourage that everyone follows the Welsh Government guidelines to limit the spread of COVID-19.”

On receiving the news on Thursday night, an Ammanford AFC spokesperson said: “We have now received confirmation that JD Cymru South has been cancelled for this season.

“We would like to thank everyone who has worked so hard behind the scenes to get us ready to play, but the decision to cancel the season has now been made final.”

The news will come as a blow for the Club, which made headlines last month by signing former Swansea City legend Leon Britton, to join former teammates Lee Trundle and Andy Robinson.

Ammanford striker Trundle said on Twitter: “England’s grassroots start the end of this month.

“I just think the way they have dragged it out is wrong, and I don’t understand how they have a meeting Monday and we find out Thursday night.”