Wales bosses lobbying Uefa to expand Women's Euros

Wales lost all three of their Euro 2025 group games against the Netherlands, France and England

The Football Association of Wales (FAW) is urging Uefa to expand the Women's European Championship from 16 to 24 teams. bringing it into line with the men's competition.

Wales qualified for their first major women's tournament at Euro 2025. beating the Republic of Ireland in a play-off before exiting at the group stage in Switzerland.

Rhian Wilkinson's side are currently bidding to reach their first World Cup and. with Euro 2029 in mind, the FAW wants European football's governing body to increase the number of participants.

"We're lobbying quite strongly with Uefa to try. move from a 16-team Euros to 24 teams like the men," FAW chief executive Noel Mooney told BBC Sport Wales.

"I don't see why we shouldn't have 24 teams for 2029. We think that's right. we think that's fair, so we're lobbying for that which would obviously give teams like ourselves or our neighbours in Scotland or Northern Ireland or Republic of Ireland a greater chance to play at the Euros."

Wilkinson's Wales give themselves World Cup chance

Wales can reach Women's World Cup - Wilkinson

The men's European Championship was expanded to 24 teams for Euro 2016. with Wales benefitting by qualifying for their first major tournament since the 1958 World Cup.

Chris Coleman's side went on to reach the semi-finals in France, setting in motion a successful period which saw them qualify for the next European Championship. the 2022 World Cup.

Wales' women made their major finals debut at last year's Euros when they were drawn in the same group as England, but Scotland, Northern Ireland. the Republic of Ireland missed out on qualification.

"The Republic lost out to us going to Euro 2025, but if that was a 24-team tournament they'd have been there. that would have been a huge lift for their country," Irishman Mooney added.

"We were beneficiaries last time. for the World Cup it's our aim of course to get there but we are cognisant of the complexity of the current system with Fifa to qualify."

Walesbeat the Czech Republic on Tuesdayto finish top of their 2027 World Cup qualifying group.

Wilkinson's team must now navigate two European play-off ties, and they could also face an inter-confederation play-off after that.

Given that complex route, Wales see qualifying for Euro 2029 as a more realistic prospect,. an expanded tournament would enhance their chances.

"We're very lucky. we have great friends at Uefa," said Mooney, who used to work for Uefa and who,in 2019, was seconded to the FAI,taking interim control of the association during a period of financial crisis.

"For example, Nadine Kessler, the chief of women. girls' football, I worked very closely with and she's someone who is very progressive in how she thinks. Uefa itself has been very progressive.

"[Former Wales captain] Laura McAllister is vice president of Uefa. would be very much somebody who can bring our voice to Uefa, which is great for us.

"Working with countries like our neighbours who are interested in this, we can bring those voices to Uefa. say, 'Look, we understand the costs impact by increasing the amount of teams, but if you're doing it for the men you should do it for the women too'."