CEFN Druids FC will not play in the second tier of north Wales football next season, it has been confirmed.

The Wrexham-based club was relegated from the top-flight, the JD Cymru Premier, in 2022.

Then, in January of this year, the Druids were banned from signing players for two transfer windows, after being charged with breaching Fifa transfer guidelines the previous season.

Now, the club has confirmed that it will not be participating in the second tier - the JD Cymru North - next season.

A statement says that the 'transfer ban' has been the biggest issue faced.

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A statement released by Cefn Druids said: "We face a series of challenges that will affect our ability to play in the forthcoming season. The transfer ban is the biggest issue we have and we are faced with starting the season with a depleted squad.

"We will not have had our appeal against the Fifa transfer ban heard in time for the start of the 2023-24 season.

"This means starting the season with a small squad and gambling on winning the appeal and the ban being lifted, but we would not be in a transfer window and so unable to sign new players.

"The club has therefore withdrawn from the league and close the academy at all age groups with immediate effect. We will retain membership to the FAW [Football Association of Wales], but not play in FAW-organised games.

"We can now fight the transfer ban and not worry about time limits, contracts etc and devote the time to clear the club's name. We can concentrate on our Futsal team and other interests that will sustain the club for years to come.

"The business, Cefn Druids FC Limited, shall remain trading and retain the assets for use as a sports facility until we re-join the league at a lower level. Our anchor tenants Gresford Athletic FC and Wrexham Ladies AFC are unaffected.

"We will update our supporters as the situation develops and we would like to thank all our sponsors, volunteers and supporters for their support over the past few years and through the trying times of the lockdowns."

A statement from the Football Association of Wales added: "The Football Association of Wales and the JD Cymru Leagues have received formal communication from Cefn Druids FC, confirming the club’s withdrawal from the JD Cymru North for the 2023/24 season. 

"No vacancy will be opened and the JD Cymru North will continue with 16 clubs for the 2023/24 season."