This
will mean that there will be no promotion or relegation of clubs between Steps
3 to 6, or relegation from Step 2.
In
light of the above, these decisions will also apply to the leagues and clubs at
Step 7 of the National League System.
The
FA will continue to assist and support the National League (Steps 1 and 2 of
the NLS) to determine the outcome of the 2019/20 season.
Consideration
was given as to whether the season could be extended indefinitely, or to some
later date in the future in order for it to be completed. However, given the
current uncertainty regarding when it will be possible to resume competitive
football in England, and the fact that many clubs and contracted players want
certainty over when football will resume, this option is likely to present
great difficulties for football between Steps 3 to 6.
On
the basis that the season is ended now, consideration was given as to whether a
mechanism should be used to calculate final league tables and preserve
promotion and relegation between Steps 3 to 6. Whilst inevitably some clubs
will favour this option and the merits of this option have been fully
considered by the FA and the leagues, it has been decided that this is not the
best option to serve the particular needs of Steps 3 to 6 of the NLS.
The
planned implementation of the restructuring of the NLS will be deferred until the
start of the 2021/22 season. The decisions reached by the NLS leagues will be
recommended to the FA Board and FA Council for final ratification. |