2020/21 non-league football season is scrapped

The 2020/21 non-league season at steps three to six is to be scrapped with immediate effect, subject to FA Council ratification
Bamber Bridge have seen the 2020/21 season scrapped
(photo: Ruth Hornby)Bamber Bridge have seen the 2020/21 season scrapped
(photo: Ruth Hornby)
Bamber Bridge have seen the 2020/21 season scrapped (photo: Ruth Hornby)

The decision appeared to be inevitable after the National League North and South - the bottom rung of elite level of football - voted to declare their season null and void last week.

The cancellation of this season effects clubs such as Bamber Bridge and Lancaster City, who play in the Northern Premier League, and Longridge Town, Charnock Richard and Garstang, who ply their trade in the North West Counties League.

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Their seasons have been severely disrupted this season due to the Covid-19 pandemic with no football played at all this year after the governing bodies suspended the season until march 6.

A statement issued by the FA said: "The FA's Alliance and Leagues Committees have now considered the large amount of data and information submitted by clubs across the National League System (NLS) Steps 3-6 as part of a survey to gather views on the continuation or conclusion of the 2020-21 league season, in addition to the information set out in the Government’s roadmap this week.

"Submissions were made by 99.1% of clubs at Steps 3 and 4, and 95.8% of clubs at Steps 5 and 6. We would like to thank the clubs for submitting their views and the time taken in providing responses during what we appreciate is an incredibly challenging period for everyone.

"The results of the survey showed that over 76% of all clubs across Steps 3-6 indicated a preference to curtail the 2020-21 league season if it could not be restarted with limited spectator numbers and hospitality before 1 April 2021.

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"During this process, taking into account views of clubs and leagues it was decided that extending the 2020-21 league season beyond the end of May 2021 would not be a viable option. This was due to various considerations, including the financial implications for many clubs, player contracts and the extent of the fixture scheduling issues caused by the national lockdown and various postponements which had resulted in there being 81% of matches left to complete for Steps 3 and 4, and 75% at Steps 5 and 6.

"Taking into account the survey results and the ongoing impact of Covid-19, which continues to adversely affect incomes for clubs due to restrictions on both spectators and hospitality, The FA’s Alliance and Leagues Committees have reached a consensus that subject to the approval of FA Council, the 2020-21 league season for Steps 3-6 of the NLS should be curtailed with immediate effect, with no further league matches taking place this season.

"The Committees will now present their collective recommendations to The FA Council for ratification"

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