THE ENTIRE non-league season is set to be declared finished as a result of the coronavirus.
National League chief executive Michael Tattersal has written to the 68 clubs under his command to confirm his intention of shutting down the competition.
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The National League is set to become void – sending shockwaves to Premier League and EFL clubs that want to conclude the seasonCredit: PA:Empics Sport
Tattersal said: “As many of you will know, The National League held a Board discussion on 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.”
He added: “The National League attended a further meeting by video conference with the Football Association.
“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.”
Tattersal’s move follows similar measures being adopted by lower tiers after consultation with Wembley chiefs.
The Essex Senior League was asked to delete a tweet suggesting the campaign was being ended at the demand of the FA but within hours the Isthmian Premier League, Northern Premier League and Southern League – the immediate feeders to the National League – confirmed their own season-ending plans.
But it still remains unclear whether the cancellation of the rest of the season will see all relegation and promotion issues also cut off.
And the repercussions for the EFL – due to relegate one club to the National League with two coming up following the Bury crisis – are also uncertain.
Tattersal conceded: “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.”
Reports today from the Daily Star suggest that the next League Two campaign could have 26 teams.
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This would be the first time a professional league in the top four tiers in English football would boast more that 24 clubs in a single season.
Should the National League season become void, it would send shockwaves to Premier League and EFL sides who are planning to finish the season.
Professional football in England has currently been suspended until April 30 at the earliest.
Champions League football to return to TV during coronavirus break with Uefa to show bored fans European classics
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
