Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney appear to have been dealt a huge blow in their hopes of taking Wrexham into Europe via a Welsh cup competition.

The Red Dragons are one of four English Football League clubs, along with Cardiff City, Swansea City and Newport County, looking to boost their chances of qualifying for Europe by entering the Welsh League Cup.

However, the Daily Mail reports that the plans have hit a potentially significant snag as they will now be required to go before the full FA board for approval, rather than just a sub-committee.

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It follows claims of opposition from within the English game, with one club executive allegedly accusing the teams of wanting to "have their Welsh cake and eat it".

The reason for the proposals being taken to a higher decision-making body is said to be "due to the importance and significance of the topic".

English clubs have been informed they will be able to have their say as part of the consultation process.

Talks between the four Welsh teams and the Football Association of Wales (FAW) started earlier this year as they can only currently qualify for European competitions via the FA Cup, EFL Cup or Premier League.

The new plans would see them enter the Welsh League Cup - currently known as the Nathaniel MG Cup - for a chance of qualifying for the Europa Conference League, which was founded in 2021.

While the clubs would continue to play in the English pyramid, it would see them sacrifice their ability to qualify for Europe via the FA Cup, EFL Cup or Premier League.

Together with the FAW, the Welsh sides have reportedly presented their proposal - known as Prosiect Cymru (Project Wales) - to UEFA, the FA, Premier League and Cymru Premier.

The move was previously welcomed by Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson, who said it would be “fantastic” for Welsh EFL clubs.

He said: “To have that opportunity to get into Europe again for the club would be amazing. Hopefully that comes to fruition.”

Swansea City chairman Andy Coleman is one of the driving forces behind the plans and claims "all of Wales" is united behind the idea.

He said: “I can't wait for people to learn more about the specifics around this deal. There is still work left to do, but a united Wales is a stronger Wales and I am really excited to see what the next steps are.”

His comments follow an independent report being published by Deloitte, which says the proposals would be "transformational" for Welsh football and deliver significant financial gains.

The four EFL clubs are understood to have sought assurances from the FA that the plans will not jeopardise their future in the English pyramid.

Wrexham, Cardiff and Swansea are all reported to be in favour of the talks, but Newport are said to be more guarded after fighting and winning a High Court battle against the FAW in 1995 to stay in the English pyramid.

All four teams have experience of playing in European competitions and were previously able to qualify via the Welsh Cup.

Welsh clubs in the EFL have not participated in an FAW competition since the FAW Premier Cup – which did not offer European qualification – was abolished in 2008.

Cardiff, Swansea and Newport have entered under-21 sides in recent editions of the Nathaniel MG Cup, but the introduction of their first teams - and chance to qualify for Europe - would represent a major change.