The FA: The 2020-21 league season for Steps Three to Six of the National League System should be curtailed with immediate effect, with no further league matches taking place this season

The Football Association has issued the following statement:


 

"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 Steps Three-Six 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 Three and Four, and 95.8% of clubs at Steps Five and Six. 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 Three-Six 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.

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 Three and Four, and 75% at Steps Five and Six.

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 Three-Six of the National League System 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.

It has also been decided that subject to FA Council’s decision regarding the curtailment of the season at Steps Three to Six, both committees will revisit discussions around a potential restructure at Steps Four-Six of the National League System, which was previously agreed and has been on hold since the 2019-20 season. A further update on this will be provided in due course."

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