FA reject calls to continue season

PLANS to allow clubs in Vanarama National Leagues North and South to continue their seasons have been rejected.

Southport FC were among the clubs in favour of declaring the campaign null and void, citing their concerns for the health and safety of players, staff and volunteers during the Covid pandemic.

Other clubs insisted the league programme be halted due to the lack of financial support during a time when all fixtures had to be played behind closed doors.

However, there were clubs in both North and South divisions who felt the league should continue – and together they had proposed a mini-league following the decision to declare both leagues null and void last month.

However, the FA’s Alliance Committee has rejected the plans, backing the cancellation of National Leagues North and South - step two of the National League System - with no promotion or relegation.

It also means no relegation from the National League, where clubs voted to continue.

The decision will require FA Council approval.

An FA statement read: “Our Alliance Committee have considered a paper from the National League addressing the National League resolutions in relation to the 2020/21 season and an alternative proposal from certain Clubs at Step 2.

“Subject to FA Council approval, the Alliance Committee decided:

“a. To support the outcome of the National League resolution resulting in:

• The continuation of Step

1

• That the 2020/21 season is declared null and void at Step 2 with no promotion or relegation from Step 2 (or relegation from Step 1)

“b. Consideration was also given to an alternative sporting solution at Step 2 in line with a proposal submitted by certain Step 2 clubs that wished to continue playing.

“The Alliance Committee rejected the proposal, and any alternative, in the interest of the integrity of the National League System.

“Further reasons for this decision will be communicated directly to clubs in due course.”

It is understood the combined mini-league would have seen clubs play each other once, with the champions promoted automatically and another via playoffs.

Last month, Southport were among 24 of the 43 clubs at step two to vote in favour of declaring their seasons null and void after the National League’s £10m slice of the government’s winter survival package expired.

The competition was only promised loans for the remainder of the season, while no regular Covid testing programme was in place.