On what should have been a routine announcement of match officials for the JD Cymru Premier fixtures scheduled for November 24–25, 2025, fans and clubs were met with an odd twist: the appointments were published after the matches had already taken place. The official list, posted on cymru-leagues.hopp.studio on November 27, 2025, confirmed that Colwyn Bay FC would host Penybont FC at Eirias Park in Colwyn Bay, Wales — but the timing raised eyebrows. How could officials be named days after the game? The answer isn’t clear. Either the publication date is wrong, or the appointment system suffered a significant delay — both troubling for a league that prides itself on structure.
Who’s on the whistle? The known facts
The announcement did not reveal the full list of referees for all fixtures that weekend, only confirming the Colwyn Bay vs. Penybont matchup. But we do know the stakes. Penybont, sitting third with 24 points from 12 games, are chasing the title. Colwyn Bay, in 10th with just 12 points, are fighting to avoid the relegation playoff zone. Their last meeting — on March 9, 2025 — ended 2-1 to Penybont, with referee Andrew Davies, 38, in charge. He was assisted by Simon Jones, 42, and Mark Williams, 36, while David Thomas, 45, handled fourth official duties. That match was tight, physical, and decisive. Expect more of the same this time.
The Football Association of Wales (FAW), headquartered at Dragon Park in Newport, oversees all referee appointments through its Referees’ Committee, chaired by Brian Riley. Traditionally, appointments are finalized five days before matchday and published no later than 48 hours prior. This time, the announcement came three days after the weekend’s games were scheduled to conclude. It’s not just sloppy — it’s unusual for a league with such a clear administrative backbone.
The league behind the matches
The JD Cymru Premier is the pinnacle of Welsh football, run by the FAW since its rebranding in 2019 under a sponsorship deal with JD Sports Fashion PLC. The 2024–2025 season began on August 2, 2024, and will wrap up on May 4, 2025. Twelve teams battle for the title, with The New Saints FC reigning as champions after their record-breaking 16th title last season. Penybont, formed in 2013 from the merger of Bridgend Town and Pencoed Athletic, have become consistent contenders — their 24 points this season are the third-highest in the league. Colwyn Bay, founded in 1881, are one of Wales’ oldest clubs, but their form has dipped. They’ve won just once in their last seven games.
Historically, Penybont have dominated this fixture: 7 wins to Colwyn Bay’s 3, with 2 draws in their 12 meetings since 2013. The Bryntirion Ground in Bridgend has been a fortress for Penybont, while Eirias Park — with its 3,000-capacity crowd — often gives Colwyn Bay a boost. But home advantage hasn’t mattered much lately. Penybont won the reverse fixture 3-1 in October 2024. They’re on a five-match unbeaten run. Colwyn Bay? They’ve lost four of their last five.
Why the delay matters
This isn’t just about one missed deadline. It’s about trust. Clubs rely on knowing who’s refereeing to prepare tactically — especially when it comes to disciplinary records or known officiating styles. Coaches need to know if a referee is strict on fouls, lenient on handballs, or quick to issue cards. A delayed announcement disrupts preparation. It also creates confusion for broadcasters, media, and fans trying to follow the action. The FAW’s Referees’ Committee has been praised in recent years for improving consistency, but this slip-up undermines that progress.
Some insiders suggest the delay may stem from administrative overload — the FAW has been managing a busy schedule with international fixtures, youth tournaments, and the Women’s Welsh Cup running parallel. Others wonder if the website’s backend system had a glitch. The domain cymru-leagues.hopp.studio is clearly managed by a third-party vendor, and the lack of a clear correction or apology on the site adds to the unease. No statement has been issued by the FAW as of November 28, 2025.
What’s next?
The next round of appointments — for December 1–2, 2025 — will be critical. Will the FAW restore normal timing? Will they issue a public explanation? And will the referee for the Colwyn Bay-Penybont rematch be the same as last time? If Andrew Davies is back on the whistle, fans will be watching closely. He’s known for letting the game flow, but he’s also issued 11 yellow cards in his last three JD Cymru Premier matches. With both teams desperate for points, tempers could flare.
Meanwhile, the league’s structure remains sound. The promotion/relegation system between the JD Cymru North and South divisions works smoothly. The FAW’s investment in referee training, including video analysis and fitness testing, has improved standards across Wales. But operational reliability? That’s where the cracks are showing.
Background: A league with deep roots
Founded in 1876, the Football Association of Wales is the third-oldest national football association in the world — behind England and Scotland. Its headquarters at Dragon Park, opened in 2012, houses not just the Referees’ Committee, but also the national youth academies and performance science teams. The JD Cymru Leagues, launched in 2019, were designed to professionalize the domestic game, aligning with UEFA’s club licensing standards. Sponsorship from JD Sports, a British retail giant based in Bury, Greater Manchester, brought much-needed funding — but also raised questions about commercial influence. So far, the league has resisted pressure to expand the season or alter promotion rules.
Still, the gap between top and bottom remains wide. The New Saints, with a budget nearly triple that of Colwyn Bay, dominate the league. But the real test of the JD Cymru Premier’s health is whether mid-table clubs like Colwyn Bay can compete — and whether referees can keep pace with the rising intensity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the referee appointment published after the match?
The publication date of November 27, 2025, appears to be an error or administrative delay, as the matches were scheduled for November 24–25. The FAW typically releases referee lists five days before matchday. No official explanation has been issued, but possible causes include website system errors, staffing shortages in the Referees’ Committee, or a miscommunication in the publishing workflow. This is highly unusual and undermines confidence in the league’s operational standards.
Who is in charge of referee appointments in Welsh football?
The Football Association of Wales’ Referees’ Committee, chaired by Brian Riley, oversees all appointments for the JD Cymru Leagues. The committee evaluates referee performance, fitness, and consistency through video reviews and match assessments. Appointments are made weekly, with input from regional referees’ officers. Riley has held the position since 2021 and previously served as a senior referee in the Welsh Premier League.
How does the JD Cymru Premier compare to other Welsh leagues?
The JD Cymru Premier is the top tier of Welsh football, followed by the JD Cymru North and South divisions at tier two. Unlike England’s pyramid, there’s no automatic promotion/relegation between the North and South — the top two teams from each division enter a playoff for one promotion spot. The league has 12 teams, with The New Saints dominating for over a decade. Financial disparities are stark: top clubs spend up to £1.2 million annually, while lower teams operate on under £200,000.
What’s the history between Colwyn Bay and Penybont?
Since Penybont’s formation in 2013, the two clubs have met 12 times in competitive fixtures. Penybont holds a clear edge with 7 wins, while Colwyn Bay has won 3, with 2 draws. Penybont won the most recent encounter 2-1 in March 2025 at their home ground. Colwyn Bay’s last win over Penybont came in October 2022. Their matches are often physical, with an average of 4.3 yellow cards per game over the last five meetings.
Is the JD Cymru Premier considered professional?
Most clubs in the JD Cymru Premier operate as semi-professional teams, with players holding part-time jobs outside football. Only The New Saints and a few others, like Penybont, offer full-time contracts to key players. The league is not classified as fully professional by UEFA, but it meets many of the standards for domestic elite leagues. Player salaries range from £15,000 to £60,000 annually, depending on the club and role.
What’s at stake in this match for both teams?
Penybont, in third place with 24 points, are within striking distance of the top two — The New Saints and Bala Town — and could still challenge for the title. A win would tighten the race. Colwyn Bay, in 10th with 12 points, are just one point above the relegation playoff spot. A loss would push them closer to the drop zone. With only 10 games left, this is a must-win for Colwyn Bay — and a chance for Penybont to send a statement to the title contenders.
