WELSH football chiefs have cancelled the grassroots season.

The Football Association of Wales (FAW) national league board (NLB) has announced only the top two tiers of the Welsh football pyramid will be completed with the Ardal Leagues and all leagues at recreation level cancelled.

However even the fate of the top leagues hinge on the Welsh Government easing lockdown restrictions.

A spokesman said: "The decisions by the relevant boards have taken into account the current Welsh Government guidelines and measures in relation to COVID-19 with the health and safety of everyone involved being of the utmost importance.

Newtown Football Clubs Latham Park.

Newtown Football Club's Latham Park.

Newtown Football Club.

"The NLB has determined that an attempt will be made to complete leagues and competitions when the country either returns to Alert Level 3 in accordance with the Welsh Government Covid-19 Control Plan or when the ‘Elite Status’ as defined by Sport Wales is redesignated to that competition, whichever is the sooner."

It is proposed the JD Cymru Premier season will operate from March 5 to May 31 while the Orchard Welsh Women's Premier League season will resume on March 5 and end on May 23.

The JD Cymru North and South will both kick off on March 20 and end on May 29.

The Nathaniel MG Cup will also kick off next month and be completed by May 31.

The FAW confirmed academy and futsal leagues would also resume depending on Welsh Government regulations.

However it means the Ardal Leagues, FAW Youth League, Cymru Premier Development League and FAW Reserve League seasons have been scrapped.

Clos Mytton, Guilsfield FC.

Clos Mytton, Guilsfield FC.

Guilsfield Football Club.

The FAW will attempt to run a much reduced Welsh Cup with just 44 clubs, starting on April 20 with the final on June 5 but the Welsh Trophy and FAW Youth Cup will not be contested.

The news represents a hammer blow to clubs in the MMP-NL Mid Wales leagues, Montgomeryshire League, Mid Wales League South and Aberystwyth League.

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

"However, 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 is exploring a number of options for the 2021/22 season to ensure that competitive football can resume as quickly as possible.

"The FAW acknowledges that players, clubs, leagues, and referees have paid various fees in respect of the 2020/21 season and the FAW has been considering the most effective way of addressing these matters."

Treflan, home of Llansantffraid.

Treflan, home of Llansantffraid.

Llansantffraid Football Club.

Clubs in leagues which have been scrapped will be automatically entered into next season's competition free of charge while player registration fees will be discounted.

Clubs who entered a cup and not allowed to compete will also receive free entry next season.

The FAW also confirmed £150,000 would be paid to senior leagues from player registration fees with £25,000 given to junior leagues.

The spokesman added: "The FAW is currently liaising with its insurers to finalise the premium for the 2021/22 season which will then allow us to confirm the discounted player registration fees for the 2021/22 season.

The FAW also confirmed a players' prize draw would be expanded next season with total prize monies of £36,000 throughout the season.