THE Welsh football season has been suspended.

The Football Association of Wales (FAW) announced the decision today (Wednesday) and followed three days of growing discontent across the country following the Welsh Government's decision to impose a ban on supporters.

The decision was made as part of renewed efforts to curb reported growing cases of coronavirus across the country.

The Welsh Government later reviewed its policy by permitting a maximum of 50 spectators into grounds.

However clubs voted that 50 supporters would not be enough to cover costs, particularly that of official match fees.

Therefore the top three tiers of Welsh football have been suspended with no date set for a resumption of football activities.

The decision to postpone Welsh football will remind many clubs and supporters of the 16 month ban for all but elite level sport which was imposed at the start of the first lockdown.

However, this time JD Cymru Premier clubs, join the JD Cymru North and South and four regional Ardal leagues in entering hiatus.

An FAW spokesman said: "The FAW National League Board has taken the decision to suspend the Cymru Leagues, Adran Leagues and Ardal Leagues, following the Welsh Government announcement that team sports are limited to 50 spectators due to the rise of the omicron variant of COVID-19.

"The decision was taken following consultation with the leagues and the clubs who had fixtures scheduled over the festive period.

"The NLB will continue to monitor the situation and currently plans to review its decision on or prior to January 9, 2022."

The FAW said the financial loss incurred by clubs forced to limit fixtures to 50 supporters would be too great to continue the season.

The statement added: "The FAW acknowledges the significant loss of income that clubs will incur should they be unable to accommodate more than 50 spectators at their matches, in addition to the extreme disappointment of fans being unable to support their clubs.

"To limit the loss of income and to provide the best chance for fans not to miss out on supporting their clubs, the NLB felt the suspension of the competitions over the festive period was in the best interest of the game."