FAW Chief Expects Bellamy to Stay Wales Boss After
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- Noel Mooney told BBC Politics Wales that Craig Bellamy is "absolutely committed" to the Wales job and will be at the helm when the team returns to action in September for Nations League A fixtures against Portugal, Denmark, and Norway.
- Bellamy's proposed switch to Burnley was in advanced talks before falling through on Thursday; the 46-year-old's Wales contract now runs until Euro 2028, and Mooney dismissed concerns the negotiations damaged Bellamy's standing with Welsh fans.
- Mooney highlighted Bellamy's record of promoting Wales from Nations League B to A and said the side was "unfortunate" to miss the World Cup on penalty kicks, describing the shootout as "a lottery."
- Iwan Roberts said his former Wales team-mate Bellamy has "burned a lot of bridges" through the Burnley negotiations and called it "the big question now" whether the FAW will keep faith with him.
- Mooney framed the focus as entirely forward-looking: "He's done a terrific job here so far... We're just looking forward to the autumn now."
Why it matters: Bellamy's near-departure to Burnley raised open questions among Welsh football figures about his commitment, but Mooney's unequivocal backing locks Bellamy in through Euro 2028. With a Nations League A campaign against Portugal, Denmark, and Norway starting in September, Wales avoid a managerial vacuum at the moment their competitive ceiling is rising.
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