FA declare all non-league seasons below National League null and void with no promotion or relegation due to coronavirus
THE FA have announced the immediate end of the non-league season at Step three and below and declared the campaign null and void due to the coronavirus pandemic.
It has been revealed there will be no promotions or relegations, with the future of the National League campaign still uncertain with further talks planned.
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A statement from the FA said: "The FA and NLS steps three to six have reached a consensus that their 2019-20 season will now be brought to an end, and all results will be expunged.
"This will mean no promotion or relegation of clubs between NLS steps three to six, and no promotion to NLS step two.
";These decisions will also apply to the leagues and clubs who play at NLS step seven.
"We will continue to assist and support the National League (NLS steps one and two) to determine the outcome of its 2019-20 season as quickly as possible. "The planned implementation of the restructure of the NLS will also now be deferred until the start of the 2021-22 season."
SEASON SCRAPPED
It was announced yesterday that the entire non-league system was set to be declared null and void, but there was no word on what would happen to teams fighting to go up as well as beating the drop.
National League chief executive Michael Tattersal has written to the 68 clubs under his command to confirm his intention of shutting down the competition.
He said: "“As many of you will know, The National League held a Board discussion on Monday, which was the third such meeting in 11 days.
“The broad consensus was that our Clubs wish for a decision to be made to close the season as soon as possible.”
Before adding: “The National League attended a further meeting by video conference with the Football Association.
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“The FA have been asked to assist us with making the decisions to officially postpone all remaining National League fixtures and to end the season as soon as possible for the purposes of player contracts.”
And according to Evening Standard journalist Dan Kilpatrick, talks are being held to now decide the outcome of the first two steps in the National League.
He tweeted: "The National League (steps 1&2) board currently meeting for the second time today to try to work out a plan."