A really important question

I was asked a question by a mate and unfortunately was not able to answer it. Why (and How) are Cardiff and Swansea playing in an English league rather than a Welsh league?

Its not like you see any scottish or Irish teams playing in the English leagues is it. So what is the answer. Not that I have a problem with them playing in our leagues,  just interested.

It's not that much of an important question really is it? 

I think it's something to do with Welsh league being formed after these teams were formed?

It's not that much of an important question really is it? 

I think it's something to do with Welsh league being formed after these teams were formed?

If I don't get answer within 24 hrs, then my psycho mate will bring me down!

Nah, only joking, I would like to still know (even though I am not welsh).

Nicola might know?

There's a couple of answers here, but I'd go with the one already mentioned on here as its repeated on yahoo.

They were both playing in the English league before the Welsh one was formed.

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20080228021810AAFDAts