Promotion bid is over for FC United as FA void league

THE Football Association faces the threat of legal action after announcing results for the 2019-20 season will be expunged for non-league divisions below the National League and National League North and South.

The same applies to women’s football below the Women’s Super League and Championship, with no promotion and relegation, while grassroots football has been brought to a close for the season due to the coronavirus outbreak.

The FA’s decision is particularly harsh on teams like South Shields, who were 12 points clear of FC United who were bidding for promotion – at the top of the Northern Premier Division, and club chairman Geoff Thompson said the club will seek an appeal or take legal action.

In a message on Twitter, Thompson wrote: “SSFC will be writing to the FA in the strongest possible terms and will seek an appeal or will take legal action.

“Whatever the outcome following this appalling decision the club will continue as before. However, there is no denying this decision has a huge financial impact.

“We have invested heavily this year in a host of areas and the loss of promotion will also affect some of our revenue assumptions for next season.

My message to all our SSFC fans and sponsors is - sorry, a huge disappointment and we’ve all been badly let down.”

The FA remains hopeful of being able to complete the men’s and women’s FA Cup campaigns, FA Trophy and FA Vase, while discussions are ongoing regarding what will happen with the National League - which includes Stockport County in the top flight and Altrincham in National League North – the Women’s Super League and Women’s Championship.

Lower down the pyramid, Vauxhall Motors and Jersey Bulls had already secured promotion from their divisions but will now have to try again next season.

Salford co-owner Gary Neville was baffled by the move, saying: “Can someone explain to me what is forcing the non-league divisions to void the season? We’ve been down there with @ SalfordCityFC for 5 years so we have some experience of it and I don’t get it!! Help.”

Worthing chairman Barry Hunter, whose team were seven points clear at the top of the Isthmian League Premier Division and on course for promotion to National League South, admitted the news was ‘a huge disappointment to everyone involved at the club’.