Text at top (next game etc)

Next Game: Brentwood In The FA Trophy At Edgar Street On Saturday 16th November At 3.00pm

Wednesday, March 25, 2020

National League to end the season?

There are reports today that The National League are set to end the season immediately due to the coronavirus crisis.

Leagues from steps 3 downwards have already stated that their respective divisions cannot continue, and it looks like The National League are going to go the same way.

What this means for promotions and relegations remains unclear. The Daily Star say that Barrow and Harrogate will go up to League Two, with Chorley and Fylde going the other way. However, The Evening Standard say that the likely outcome is for the National League to void the season, resulting in no promotions or relegations.

One of the main issues is around player contracts, which for non league clubs expire once the final league game is completed (so in theory, April 25).

The EFL have already said they want the season extended as far as possible in order for the current campaign to be concluded. However, player contracts in the EFL usually expire on June 30.

As it stands, there is no professional football in England until at least April 30.

Any decision needs to be ratified by the FA.