Burnley make contact with FAW over Craig Bellamy despite Wales boss pledging commitment

Burnley have made a formal enquiry to the Football Association of Wales about appointing Craig Bellamy as their new manager, though no agreement is in place and the Wales boss has recently insisted he is fully focused on his national team role.

The Championship club are searching for a permanent successor to Scott Parker, who left Turf Moor in April following Burnley’s relegation from the Premier League. Bellamy, 46, is a familiar face at the club, having previously served as assistant manager under Vincent Kompany before taking the Wales job in 2024.

The approach comes despite Bellamy making his position clear earlier this month, ahead of a friendly against Ghana. “Wales have given me this opportunity and I’m really grateful for that,” he said. “I’m fully focused on the next two years and being Welsh manager is unique, full stop.”

Bellamy, who has two years remaining on his Wales contract, also spoke of the significance of the role. “To be national team manager — I’m sure plenty of Welsh people and ex-players would give anything to be in this position. It’s an amazing time and I don’t want to wish that away.”

His tenure has not been without disappointment. Wales failed to reach the 2026 World Cup after losing to Bosnia and Herzegovina on penalties in their play-off semi-final in Cardiff in March, leaving Euro 2028 qualification as the primary target for the national side.

Bellamy cited the prospect of a home nations tournament staged at the Principality Stadium as a major motivation to stay. “To have the opportunity of a home nations tournament and going to the Principality Stadium — I can only imagine what the streets in Cardiff would be like leading into it.”

The Press Association understands that while Burnley’s enquiry has been made, talks remain at an early stage. Whether the FAW would sanction Bellamy’s release from a contract with two years to run — or whether Bellamy himself would reconsider his public stance — remains to be seen.