Arabic version: بيلامي يؤكد أن مهمته مع ويلز لا تزال أولويته
According to BBC News, Craig Bellamy says he remains committed to Wales after choosing to reject a summer approach from Burnley. The Wales head coach held talks with the Championship club after it sought a replacement for Scott Parker following relegation from the Premier League.
The Football Association of Wales gave Bellamy permission to speak to Burnley in June after the club triggered a compensation clause. Bellamy, who was appointed Wales head coach on a four-year deal in July 2024, said the approach was flattering but that he was comfortable with his decision to remain in the national role.
“I had a decision to make and I made it,” Bellamy said. “It didn’t break down. I said no, it’s not for me. That was it. There was no walk away from discussions. It wasn’t for me.” He added that Wales was the right place for him and his family, while saying respect for Burnley, where he had worked as Vincent Kompany’s assistant, led him to hold conversations over the vacancy.
Bellamy addressed the speculation as he named a 28-man squad for Nations League A matches against Portugal, Denmark and Norway. Wales begin with a trip to Portugal, where they could face Cristiano Ronaldo. Bellamy said a revised format of four games in 11 days would test his group, particularly with Joe Rodon and Dylan Lawlor unavailable through injury.
Wales were promoted unbeaten to the top flight of the Nations League under Bellamy, but missed the 2026 World Cup after losing a penalty shoot-out to Bosnia-Herzegovina in March’s play-offs. Bellamy said results were important and that management offered no guarantees, including over whether he would remain in charge for Euro 2028, when Wales could play matches in Cardiff.
The new-look coaching staff will include former Swansea City manager Alan Sheehan and former Wales captain Ashley Williams. Bellamy said Williams would be a major help to the group, describing him as the greatest captain of his time with Wales and a leader from whom younger and senior players could learn.
