Video assistant refereeing (VAR) will be introduced to the Cymru Premier from the 2026/27 season as the Football Association of Wales (FAW) announces a new strategy that also includes adding more clubs and the introduction of Friday night games.

Perhaps the most notable change will be that Friday nights will be the new default fixture slot instead of the more traditional Saturday afternoons.

The FAW has made the move in an attempt to separate themselves from competing with the Premier League and the rest of English pyramid.

Their introduction will be scaled up from next season to the start of the 2026/27 season, when Friday night games will become the standard.

The FAW has not ruled out more changes – to be announced later in the year- as they look to “improve the JD Cymru Premier both on and off the pitch”.

An independent panel will present its findings to clubs by September, but a number of plans have already been announced and given the green light by FAW bosses.

12 teams, including unbeaten champions The New Saints, currently compete in the top Welsh division with more set to join them in 2026, although the exact number is set to be finalised later in the year.

Clubs will benefit from around £4 million of investment joining towards professionalising club administration, building brand awareness, and improving the quality of pitches and club facilities.

On the branding side of things, the league says it is exploring the possibility of new broadcast coverage as well as supporting clubs with marketing themselves domestically and internationally.

A scaled-down version of video assistant refereeing – called VAR Lite by FAW- will be introduced when the new facilities are in place.

Another measure being introduced to “strengthen the on-pitch product” is using a ‘work experience’ loophole to allow clubs to sign scholars on loan from Welsh EFL clubs outside the usual transfer windows.

As well as this, reserve-team football will be replaced with under-23s, following the Premier League’s move, and bringing in a grant programme for full-time roles such as general managers.

Clubs who qualify for Europe will also be supported under the plans, with the FAW helping to arrange warm-up fixtures and provide assistance with logistics.

The plans are sure to be a big shake up to a league that FAW Chief Executive Noel Mooney says needs “a bit of love”.