Local politicians are backing the cause of Abergavenny Womens Football Club after they were placed in Tier 2 of the new restructured league set up by the Football Association of Wales (FAW).

David Davies MP for Monmouth in his letter to Lowri Roberts at the FAW said he was dismayed to learn that under the FAW major domestic restructure for the women’s game in Wales Abergavenny Women FC is set to be removed from the Welsh Premier Women’s League next season.

He says: ‘‘I understand two other clubs with ‘bigger teams’ who aren’t in the top flight will instead be brought in as replacements.

‘‘Indeed I’m told one of the teams disabanded last year and is only being reformed now the FAW has proposed a new league set up - presumably with more grant and financial opportunities.

‘‘Abergavenny Women FC has been in the top league for nine years.

‘‘The team is mid-table and made the cup final last year but is basicially being thrown out - not relegated - to make way for teams affiliated to bigger men’s clubs, namely Barry Town United FC and The New Saints.

‘‘I have spoken at length with club secretary Stuart Summers who tells me he is in receipt of an email from the FAW stating Abergavenny Women FC will be surplus to requirements next season.

‘‘The club has met all approporiate playing standards (stadium, pitch, facilities etc) and strongly champions the development of local women’s football.

‘‘Yet despite an appeal, the FAW will not even let the club see how it scored in the review.

‘‘It would appear Aberystwyth, one of the bottom teams which didn’t win a game last season is being retained as a West Wales outpost.

‘‘However Gwent - one of the most populous areas in Wales - will now have no representation.

‘‘As things stand it is likely the only Gwent side in the league is going to be removed for purely bureaucratic reasons - which is inexplicable and completely unfair.

‘‘Quite frankly it flies in the face of a level playing field for sport.

‘‘I would be grateful if you could urgently explain what the basis is for kicking Abergavenny Women FC out of the Welsh Premier Women’s League.

‘‘If the FAW want to reorganise the league, then it should ensure all teams currently there on merit are able to stay in that league next season.

‘‘Furthermore if the FAW wants to reduce the size of the league it should so do only after a full season and based on the results teams have produced.’’

Peter Fox, the member of the Senedd for Monmouth also criticised the FAW restructuring plans which have not chosen Abergavenny Women’s FC to parrticipate in the Welsh Women’s League, calling it a ‘‘devastating blow’’.

The decision comes despite the Monmouthshire football team statistically ranking as the fourth most successful club in the competition’s history.

In his letter to the Welsh government Mr Fox called it a grossly unfair situation faced by Abergavenny Women FC and called for the decision to be challenged at the highest level and raise concerns with the FAW.

He said: ‘‘I am deeply concerned by this disturbing development and, as a result, it should come as no surprise to the FAW that the local community is outraged.

“It makes little sense that, despite the club finishing in fourth position, it has unjustifiably been overlooked from participating in the Welsh Women’s League.

‘‘This is nothing short of a devastating blow.

“Abergavenny Women’s FC consistently upholds the true value for sport and is a vital asset to the Monmouth constituency. Therefore, I have written to the Minister for Sport to see how this unfortunate circumstance can be rectified.”