As part of proposals entitled Prosiect Cymru (Project Wales) – first revealed by BBC Sport Wales last September – Cardiff, Swansea, Wrexham and Newport were pitching to compete in a revamped cup against the 12 teams from Wales’ top flight, the Cymru Premier.

Those clubs were broadly supportive of the idea, while Uefa had given its approval.

The FAW said the new Welsh League Cup would have generated £3m a season, which would have been invested into grassroots infrastructure projects, women’s football and the domestic game in general.

But the EFL, while not commenting publicly before Thursday’s decision, had expressed concerns about the plans over a number of reasons.

Fixture congestion was one because Championship games, for example, often take place in midweek at the same time as European games.

Money was a more significant consideration. With tight regulations over profit and sustainability rules, it was argued Wales’ clubs – with their greater chance of reaching Europe – would have an unfair advantage.

The FAW had said clubs would not include the revenues in their PSR accounting, but they would still benefit from extra ticket sales and possible bigger commercial and sponsorship deals – or even being more attractive to potential signings.

A statement from the FA read: “As part of the request, the Welsh clubs would forfeit their existing right to qualify for Uefa club competitions through the English system whilst they remained members of the EFL.

“The Welsh clubs would then seek to qualify for Uefa competition via the English system should they be promoted to the Premier League.

“As a result of the request, the FA undertook a thorough consultation with stakeholders and invited submissions from the Welsh clubs.

“Following careful consideration, taking into account various factors including equal opportunity for clubs to participate in the same competitions, for the same rewards on an equal basis; concerns raised by stakeholders regarding competition integrity, fixture congestion and player welfare, and the impact on the standing of existing competitions, the FA Board has rejected the request.

“It was noted that it is open to the Welsh clubs to choose whether or not to participate in the English or Welsh system based on their own assessment of the relative merits of participation in each system, but if they choose to participate in the English system they must do so on the same basis as the English clubs which participate in that system.”

In response, the FAW said: “The FAW is disappointed that the proposal was rejected as it would have benefited all levels of football throughout Wales with funding worth an annual £3million.

“The revenue model would have been distributed throughout the Cymru Premier, Adran Premier [women’s top flight] and grassroots facilities across the country.

“The FAW will continue to focus on raising standards across the game in Wales and implementing its ambitious strategy to improve the Cymru Premier both on and off the pitch through an exciting competition format, strengthening the league administration, professionalising club administration, building brand awareness, engaging communities and enhancing on-pitch quality.”

Hashtag United like knocking off the big names.

They came from behind to beat Newcastle United 2-1 to win last season’s FA Women’s National League Cup, which is contested by third and fourth-tier clubs.

And after seeing off Derby County and Ipswich Town in this year’s competition, they now have Nottingham Forest in their sights in this weekend’s semi-finals as they look to lift the trophy for the second year running.

“For the club to make it to another cup final would be a massive statement – I think many thought it might have been a bit of luck last season,” Hashtag forward Sammy Rowlands told BBC Sport.

“But for us to be in the position we are right now, sitting top of the league, and two semi-finals to play for, I think that speaks volumes, and proves that we are here to compete.”

The other semi-final will be in the Essex Cup after Hashtag beat their own reserve side 13-1 last weekend, with Rowlands scoring four of the goals.

They are under no illusion that Sunday’s tie will be far tougher but it is a game between equals with Hashtag top of the WNL Southern Premier and Forest topping the Northern Premier table, both with 32 points.

“Personally, I don’t know much about Forest – the most I know is that they have a full-time set-up,” said Rowlands.

“The whole story surrounding the tie gives us Newcastle vibes. We didn’t change for Newcastle, so there’s no chance we’re changing for Forest.

“We have a ‘never say die’ attitude and approach every game with no fear.”

David Gaskell, who holds the record of being Manchester United’s youngest ever player, has died at the age of 84.

Former goalkeeper Gaskell made his debut for United at the age of just 16 years and 19 days against Manchester City in October 1956.

He spent 11 seasons at United after being promoted to the senior squad by Matt Busby and won two league titles with the club.

Gaskell also played in the 1963 FA Cup final, helping United beat Leicester City at Wembley.

A statement from his family on the club website read: “Dave Gaskell leaves behind not just a remarkable sporting legacy, but an enduring example of kindness, dedication, and humility. He will be deeply missed but fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.”

Former tennis stars Justine Henine and Barbara Schett have hit out at the ‘ugly’ and ‘horrible’ reaction Novak Djokovic received from the Rod Laver Arena crowd after his withdrawal from the tournament.

Djokovic had indicated earlier this week that he was suffering with an injury at the Australian Open that threatened his chances of winning.

Novak Djokovic was forced to retire due to injury

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Some fans inside Rod Laver Arena were not happy with Djokovic’s retirement and booed the Serbian as he made his way off the court.

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The reaction left former world No 1 Henin shocked and appalled, especially given Djokovic’s achievements Down Under.

“Djokovic has lived in [his] best moments here but also a detention three years ago,” she said.

“Today, it was an ugly moment, in my opinion. We can’t accept that for a player who gave so much today, but also in the history of this sport.

“We understand that people paid for this game, but we need to have nuance. Djokovic has very rarely abandoned a Grand Slam. He is 38 years old, he still comes here to give his best.

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“It’s not logical with the champion he is. He was right to react, it was ironic.

“He belongs to the part of players who don’t shut up in front of this behaviour. He’s right.”

Schett was equally horrified by the treatment Djokovic received from some fans inside the arena.

Novak Djokovic was booed after retiring

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“It was horrible, we were shocked, Laura and myself, when the crowd started booing,” Schett told Eurosport.

“You never know in tennis, in sports, anything can happen. You can get injured, and clearly, he was that injured he couldn’t continue.

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“Yes, the tickets are expensive, but again, that’s sports. It’s not like you buy a ticket for a movie and you know this is going on for two hours and you’re going to be there from start to finish.

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“No, you could be there [at tennis] for an hour and a half only, but you could also be there for five hours and that’s the beauty about tennis, because you never know what happens.”

Djokovic revealed he went as far as his body would allow him too before having to make the decision to retire.

“I did everything I possibly can to manage the muscle tear that I had,” he said.

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“Medications, the strap and the physio work helped to some extent today. But towards the end of that first set I just started feeling more and more pain.”