GRASSROOTS football can resume on Saturday, 8 January, the Football Association of Wales has confirmed.

Matches can resume for all Adran North and South, Ardal League and Area Association competitions, subject to the FAWs Return to Play protocols being adhered to.

"A series of protocols have been agreed for the resumption of matches during this period," read an FAW statement.

"Home team will be responsible implementing all reasonable steps to manage spectators within the permitted number (50 outdoors and 30 indoors) for each match.

"There is differentiated guidance in place for enclosed and non-enclosed grounds.

"Both teams will need to agree to participate in any fixtures scheduled under amended Return to Play protocols."

Teams won’t be sanctioned if they request a fixture postponement due to:

  • Positive cases of COVID-19 affecting a team’s ability to fulfil a fixture;
  • Unavailability of changing rooms either if they are closed or if 2m social distancing cannot be maintained safely during their use;
  • Being unable to manage spectators safely within the permitted number as set out by Welsh Government.

The FAW says that teams should request a postponement as early as practically possible to the relevant authority.

The statement continued: "The FAW is in regular contact with the Welsh Government on this matter to ensure that they are fully aware of the procedures that are in place for football matches to take place safely during this current stage of the pandemic.

"The FAW would like to reiterate the importance of people receiving two doses of the COVID-19 vaccination and the booster vaccine.

"For more information on vaccinations, please visit Public Health Wales."

The FAW National League Board took the decision on 22 December to suspend the Cymru Leagues, Adran Leagues and Ardal Leagues.

It followed the Welsh Government announcement that team sports are limited to 50 spectators due to the rise of the omicron variant of COVID-19.