Rhys Evans The Politics Show Wales

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FA Wales: Conducts business in English

The Football Association of Wales may have a Welsh language motto but according to its critics, that is the only bit of the language you will find within the organisation.

Despite being a national organisation, the FAW does not have a bilingual policy.

But due to the appeals of John Pritchard, the secretary of the Caernarfon and District League, the FAW is being asked to change its English-only rule.

The FAW 's attitude towards the welsh language came to light when Mr Pritchard wrote a letter to the organisation in Welsh.

In response, the General Secretary of the FAW stated that the association "conducts its business in English".

It is a response which angered Mr Pritchard. "It makes me feel very angry.

"How can someone in 2006 turn around and tell me that I cannot speak my own language"

AMs concerned

Members of the Welsh Assembly are also concerned. The Conservative leader Nick Bourne and Plaid Cymru's spokesman on the Welsh Language have written to the FAW. Nick Bourne says that the Culture Minister Alun Pugh must organise a cross-party meeting with the FAW in order to encourage the organisation to change its ways. "It is discrimination against those that would rather communicate in Welsh - and without any defence - some small , private businesses have the very reasonable defence of 'well it is a cost for us'. "But with an organisation like the FAW this a cost that could be easily met - so I do not understand and I have had no satisfactory explanation as to why this policy is not in place."

Minister given assurance

The Culture Minister, Alun Pugh has spoken with the FAW's General Secretary and has been given the assurance that the matter will be discussed at the next council meeting.

But the Minister is disappointed with the FAW's response to date - saying that Wales has two national languages and both must be treated equally.

Under the current language act, there is no legal requirement for voluntary organisations like the FAW to have a bilingual policy.

So a change in policy is entirely dependent upon goodwill alone.

David Collins from the FAW told BBC Wales Politics Show that the FAW council will be looking into the matter.

But he also stressed that: "It is a considerable effort and a considerable financial commitment for a small organisation like the Football Association for Wales to conduct its business bilingually".

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