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 RECREATION GROUND | BROOKBURN ROAD | CHORLTON | M21 8FE

 
West Didsbury & Chorlton AFC

2019/20 ended with immediate effect, and all results expunged – West Didsbury & Chorlton AFC

2019/20 ended with immediate effect, and all results expunged

by · 26/03/2020

Following the news that the NWCFL had been postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it has today been confirmed by the FA that the season for step 5 & 6 clubs has now come to a close, and that all results therein have been expunged from the record – which includes the First Division South, in which West play. This means there will also be no promotion or relegation implemented for this season.

In a statement today, the league said:

The FA have today announced the termination of the 2019/20 season, and the impact it will have on the National League System.

All Leagues at Steps 3-6 of the National League System have been in consultation with the Football Association this week with regards to the potential options which are available with regards to the 2019/20 season. When assessing each option, the FA have taken into account the impact of each option on clubs, players, staff and the fabulous volunteer network within the NLS. We have also taken into account the interests of supporters and the impact of any decision on the sporting integrity of the NLS.

Consideration was given to whether the season could be extended indefinitely but given the current uncertainty regarding when it will be possible to resume competitive football in England, this option was likely to present great difficulties for football at Steps 3-6.

On the basis that the season is now over, consideration was given to whether a mechanism should be used to calculate final league tables and preserve promotion and relegation between Steps 3-6. However it has been decided that this is not the best option to serve the particular needs of Steps 3-6 of the NLS.

As a result, The FA and the Leagues at Steps 3 to 6 of the NLS have therefore reached a consensus that, the 2019/20 season for Steps 3 to 6 will be ended with immediate effect and all results will be expunged. This will mean no promotion or re legation 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 who play at Step 7 of the National League System.

The National League (Steps 1 and 2 of the NLS) are seeking permission of the FA to extend their season beyond theist June 2020 to align with the Premier League, English Football League and the Women’s Super League.

The planned implementation of the restructure 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.

All at the club are still getting the grips with this news, and the various ways in which this news impacts West and our supporters, including matters such as season tickets – we’ll make announcements on this as and when we’re able to. In the meantime, we would like to thank you all for your excellent support over the past few months and we hope to see you all again for the beginning of the next campaign – even at this time of social distancing, our communities are more important than ever before. Stay safe, and keep strong. Come on, West.