Sunderland Ladies see title hopes shattered
Sunderland Ladies have been dealt a major blow after the FA announced that it would be declaring the current season null and void.
Sunderland have enjoyed a stunning, unbeaten campaign so far. They currently sit 11 points clear at the top of the National League Northern division, and enjoy a game-inhand on second-placed Derby County.
They had also advanced to the FAWNL League Cup final.
The FA have issued a statement in which they confirm that they remain hopeful of completing the season in the top tiers of the women’s game, but tiers 3-7 will see ‘all results expunged’.
That leaves Sunderland’s promotionhopesseeminglyin tatters. Promotion to the second tier is also dependent on a successful application.
Sunderlandhadbegunthat process but yesterday’s statementsaystherewillbe‘nopromotion or relegation’.
“In the women’s game, The FA, FA Women’s Board membersandtheWomen’sFootball Conference have consulted and reached a consensus regarding the Women’s Football Pyramid,” the FA statement reads.“TheFAandtheLeagues within Tiers 3-7 have reached a consensus to bring the season to an immediate end and all results will be expunged. This will mean no promotion or relegation of clubs between Tiers 3 to 7. Agreement has also been reached to end the Regional Talent Clubs season, which was due to conclude in April 2020. We remain in consultation with the Barclays FA Women’sSuperLeagueandFA Women’sChampionshipBoard and clubs regarding the most appropriate way to complete the current season; including theBarclaysFAWomen’sSuper League Academy.”