Six Wales players to miss crucial qualifier in 'administrative error' as probe launched

A number of key players are missing for Wales as they prepare for a crucial qualifier

The FAW are set to launch an investigation after an "administrative error" has seen six under-21s players deemed ineligible for their clash with Czechia tonight.

Matty Jones' side take on Czechia in a crucial Euro U21 qualifier at Rodney Parade, currently sitting second in the group going into the final round of pictures.

A point would be enough to see Wales secure a play-off place, however a win could see them go through to next summer's tournament in Slovakia – if other results go their way.

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But Jones will have to do it the hard way after being forced into making an 11th-hour change to his squad, which also sees them left three players short on the bench and without a substitute goalkeeper.

Star players such as Rubin Colwill and Owen Beck, who pulled out of the senior squad on Thursday night, are among those who have been deemed ineligible to play due to what is being deemed an "administrative error". It is understood that an internal investigation is set to be launched over the coming week to ascertain just how this was allowed to happen.

The other four players not included due to the mistake are Wolves goalkeeper Lewys Benjamin, Sheffield United midfielder Owen Hampson, CF Villanovense forward Josh Farrell and Brighton defender Ed Turns.

Ahead of the match with Czechia, Wales are level on points with leaders Denmark, but trail on head-to-head record after losing to then last November. A victory for Wales tonight would leave the Danes needing a win in their final game against Iceland on Tuesday.

A Wales win, however, could be enough to earn automatic qualification as one of three best runners-up. Finishing second would guarantee Wales a place in next month’s two-legged play-offs to determine the final three qualifiers.

Jones told the BBC ahead of the match: “There’s been an administrative error and issue we’ve been dealing with the last number of hours which has led to key players like Rubin and Owen being pulled out of our squad

“It is really deflating, but we’ve spoken about siege mentality and making this a challenge for the rest of the squad because we’ve managed without those players when they’ve been successful to go to the senior squad.

"We would have loved to have had them, but at the same time we are still confident that the processes we’ve put in place mean those stepping in know their roles.

“We’re fully confident and the players who have stepped in have taken it in their stride. It’s about us learning as a staffing group and an association and there will be a vigorous review to find the answers and to make sure this doesn’t happen again.”