THEY THOUGHT IT WAS ALL OVER...

THE FA Council voted overwhelmingly in favour of ratifying the decision to conclude the 2019/20 season across Steps 3-7 of the National League System.

The request to end the current season was taken to the FA Council by the representatives of the relevant committees having been fully supported by The FA board.

On March 26, The FA opted to make the season null and void in the BetVictor Northern Premier League, Isthmian League and Southern League, plus those in the county divisions below, with all results expunged.

More than 150 clubs signed an open letter to The FA, backed by some Football League sides and MPs, calling for the decision to be reversed ahead of a crucial meeting, and vote, by FA Council members on Tuesday.

Since the outbreak of the Coronavirus, The FA has been working collaboratively with the leagues within the National League System, the Women’s Football Board, the Women’s Football Conference, and the wider grassroots game to identify the most appropriate way to conclude the 2019/20 season.

Non-League Steps 1-4 are represented through the Alliance Committee, while the Leagues Committee represents Steps 5-7.

The FA Council comprises of 118 Council members with representatives across every level of English football.

Sixteen of the Council members are non-voting, meaning 102 members were eligible to vote on the decision. The threshold for approval and ratification was a simple majority.

On Thursday it was announced The FA Council’s vote was overwhelmingly in favour of ratifying the decision.