National League does not intend to re-start the 2019/20 football season

The National League has asked the Football Association to help end its season "as soon as possible" due to the coronavirus.
Match action from Chorley's recent National league game against Chesterfield
Photo: Stefan WilloughbyMatch action from Chorley's recent National league game against Chesterfield
Photo: Stefan Willoughby
Match action from Chorley's recent National league game against Chesterfield Photo: Stefan Willoughby

With the Covid-19 pandemic accelerating across the country, football has been brought to a shuddering halt in a bid to curb the spread.

The FA has been liaising with all stakeholders in recent days regarding the next steps across both the men's and women's National League pyramid and grassroots football following the impact of the coronavirus.

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The National League has now confirmed it does not intend to restart the 2019/20 season for its three divisions.

A statement issued by the National League to clubs, published by Boreham Wood, read: "As many of you will know, The National League held a Board discussion yesterday (Monday), which was the third such meeting in 11 days.

"The broad consensus was that our clubs wish for a decision to be made to close the season as soon as possible.

"The National League attended a further meeting last night (by video conference) with The Football Association, and The FA have been asked to assist us with making the decisions to officially postpone all remaining National League fixtures and to end the season as soon as possible for the purposes of player contracts.

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"The National League is also working with the FA to define all reasonable and practical options for the determination of the 2019/20 season, and to provide guidance to clubs on dealing with player contracts, player registrations and the application of the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme.

"We will continue to press for updates and will ensure that any further information is relayed to clubs as soon as it is received.

"The League is very aware that clubs are looking for answers and greater certainty, and we remain focused on delivering these in the most timely manner possible.

"Please keep the flow of information going with the League's Directors and staff, and be assured that we will respond as soon as we can when updates are available on the various issues."

Assuming the seasons are finished, decisions have to be made whether to determine the final standings by average points per game, or declare them null and void.