Tuesday, 31 March 2020

NATIONAL LEAGUES SUSPENDED

The three divisions of the National League have been suspended indefinitely due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Originally the competition, which comprises of the National League, National League North and South, had been suspended until April 3rd, but the decision has been made the suspend the leagues indefinitely.

A statement released by the National League Board said: ""The National League is currently obtaining specialist legal advice, is consulting regularly with the Football Association and other stakeholders, and is committed to involving its member clubs in a pending decision on how best to conclude the 2019-20 season,"

This latest development has ratifications for Torquay United and Yeovil Town in the National League. The Gulls still had a chance of making the play-offs and the Glovers were firmly in the play-off race. In the National League South, Weymouth Town were in the play-off zone.

The announcement comes after non-league steps three and seven were suspended indefinitely, which meant Truro City were denied a potential promotion from the Southern League Premier South and Tiverton Town were prevented from reaching the play-offs.

It is not yet know whether the results of the leagues will be expunged or if they will be decided by PPG (points per game).

The FA council are yet to ratify the decision and more than 100 clubs have also signed a petition opposing the decision to expunge the seasons of the leagues below the National League (non-league steps three to seven).