The short version
- FAW chief David Adams supports Craig Bellamy’s decision to explore managerial opportunities at Burnley, emphasizing internal transparency despite public speculation.
- The governing body is actively identifying future candidates for the national team role, prioritizing individuals with strong connections to Welsh football.
- Adams highlights significant growth in women's football attendance and infrastructure, noting upcoming major tournament hosting duties as a catalyst for further development.
The Football Association of Wales has moved to clarify the circumstances surrounding manager Craig Bellamy’s recent discussions with Burnley, framing the episode as a necessary exercise in professional transparency rather than a breach of trust. David Adams, the FAW’s chief football officer, stated that Bellamy acted correctly by engaging with the club during the summer, even though those talks ultimately did not result in a job change. This stance comes after media reports suggested Bellamy had accepted the position at Turf Moor, a claim both the manager and the association have denied.
Bellamy, who earned 78 caps for Wales and scored 19 goals during his playing career, has been open about his ambition to return to club management in the future. His current contract with the national team runs until after Euro 2028, but he has not hidden his desire to work at the club level eventually. Adams noted that Bellamy has consistently communicated these intentions internally, allowing the FAW to manage expectations and maintain a cooperative relationship despite the external noise generated by leaked information.
The situation with Burnley involved direct communication between Adams and the club’s chairman, Alan Pace. This mirrors previous interactions when Bellamy left Burnley in 2024 to take charge of the Wales national team. Adams explained that while the FAW was comfortable with Bellamy exploring opportunities, the narrative shifted unfavorably when reports emerged claiming he had already agreed to the role. Bellamy subsequently confirmed his decision to remain with Wales, a move Adams described as landing well due to their established rapport and frequent dialogue.
Beyond managing immediate personnel issues, Adams revealed that succession planning is an ongoing priority for the FAW. He emphasized the need to maintain a background list of potential candidates who align with the organization’s preferred profile. This profile typically favors former international players who demonstrate a deep passion for Wales and a strong connection to the nation’s footballing identity. The association has found this approach successful over the past decade and intends to continue prioritizing individuals who fit this specific criteria.
While the men’s team remains under Bellamy’s leadership, the FAW is also focusing heavily on the development of women’s football. Adams described the announcement that Cardiff’s Principality Stadium will host the 2029 Women’s Champions League final as a transformative moment for the sport in Wales. He contrasted current attendance figures with those from when he began his role, noting a dramatic increase from roughly 1,000 spectators at Rodney Parade to 15,000 at Cardiff City Stadium during the recent campaign.
This growth coincides with on-field successes for the women’s national team. Under manager Rhian Wilkinson, Wales qualified for Euro 2025 in Switzerland for the first time in their history. The team is now targeting a historic qualification for the World Cup, with upcoming matches against Albania in October serving as a critical step in their bid for the 2027 tournament. These achievements have helped elevate the profile of women’s football and provided visible role models for younger players.
Looking further ahead, Wales is set to host matches during the 2035 Women’s World Cup, which will be held across the United Kingdom alongside England, Northern Ireland, and Scotland. Adams views this future hosting duty as an opportunity to accelerate development but acknowledged that significant work remains. He stressed the importance of creating a robust talent pathway that allows young female players to transition from regional programs into top European leagues.
The current girls’ regional program has shown promise over the last three years, according to Adams, but the ultimate goal is to ensure these players graduate to competitive environments abroad. He argued that consistent exposure to high-level tournament football is essential for maintaining competitiveness in major international events. By strengthening this pipeline, the FAW aims to build a sustainable foundation that supports both immediate qualification goals and long-term success on the global stage.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- BBC Sport↗Bellamy right to speak to Burnley - FAW chief Adams
