Sunderland Ladies are dealt final promotion blow by the FA
An FA statement said: “The FA Board has reached a majority decision to decide the 2019/20 Barclays FA Women’s Super League and FA Women’s Championship on a basic point-per-game [PPG] basis, withpromotionandrelegation determinedonsportingmerit.
“As a result, The FA Board has confirmed the decision to award the 2019/20 Barclays FA Women’s Super League title to Chelsea Women, and to awardthe2019/20FAWomen’s Championship title to Aston Villa Women.
“Inaddition,ChelseaWomen and Manchester City Womenwillbenominatedasthetwo English clubs to qualify for the 2020/21UEFAWomen’sChampions League competition, having finished in the top two places of the 2019/20 Barclays FAWomen’sSuperLeagueseason.
“The final team positions across both leagues also confirmed that Aston Villa Women would be promoted to the Barclays FA Women’s Super League for the 2020/21 season, and that Liverpool Women would be relegated to the FA Women’s Championship for the 2020/21 season. As the 2019/20resultswereexpunged between Tier 3 to Tier 7 of the women’s pyramid, there will be no relegation or promotion between the FA Women’s Championship and Tier 3 this season.”
Speaking at the time of the decision to declare tier three null and void, Sunderland said in a club statement that they accepted the decision. “While the decision will lead to disappointment for players, staff and supporters alike, the club accepts it and recognises that intheseunprecedentedtimes, difficult measures must be taken to protect the safety and welfare of all within the game,” a statement said.
“Finally, everyone at SAFC would like to congratulate Mel and her staff on a fantastic season. We look forward to seeing you back in action, and we know you will come back stronger.”