But the Football Association of Wales has not ruled out the possibility of reinstating all Welsh clubs playing in the English pyramid in the near future.

The FAW's Ruling Council deferred a decision on Wednesday, but will hold further talks in September.

They want confirmation from Uefa that the clubs would be allowed to qualify for Europe if they won the Cup.

The three Football League clubs, along with Colwyn Bay, Merthyr and Newport, have been expelled from the Welsh Cup for nearly 10 years, after Uefa ruled that only clubs playing in the Welsh system could represent Wales in European competition.

It was believed that the exiled clubs could qualify for Europe in the unlikely event of them winning the FA Cup or through the English Premiership.

But the Football Association, whose chairman Geoff Thompson attended Wednesday's meeting, has maintained that only English clubs would be nominated for European competition.

Consequently, the FAW are desperate to provide the three professional clubs with an avenue into the potentially lucrative European stage.

"If the FA say they wouldn't nominate Welsh clubs, that gives us a stronger case to put before Uefa," FAW secretary general David Collins told BBC Wales Sport.

Welsh Premier sides - most of whom are part-time clubs - have struggled against professional European opponents since flying the flag for Wales in the Uefa Cup and Champions League.

Barry Town remain the only club to have progressed through a round.