Cup campaign gets the go-ahead

Cardiff defeated Swansea in the 2002 Premier Cup final

The BBC has agreed to continue supporting the FAW Premier Cup for another two years.

The tournament, involving 12 of Wales' top clubs, began in the 1997-98 season and has proved an attractive addition to the fixture list.

Cardiff City won last season's competition, beating Swansea City in the final and earning the £100,00 top prize.

The same reward is on offer for the 2002-03 campaign, with Bangor, Caersws, Rhyl, Cwmbran, TNS, Connah's Quay, Afan Lido and Newport County battling it out in the group stages.

Four of those teams will go into the quarter-finals against the seeded sides - Barry, Cardiff, Swansea, Wrexham - who will be drawn away.

Dr Iain Skewis, chairman of the FAW Premier Cup board said: "The Board is now determined to further increase the status and popularity of the competition which grew so well during the past season."

BBC Wales will continue to be the host broadcaster.

Keith Jones, head of programming (Welsh) at BBC Wales said: "We are extremely pleased to have agreed the new contract for the FAW Premier Cup.

"It is the only competition that brings together all the senior clubs in Wales.

"BBC Wales' relationship with the Football Association of Wales and the football clubs has been close and we look forward to televising the competition over the next two seasons."