This from the FA:
Our alliance and leagues committees have now considered the
large amount of data and information submitted by clubs across the
National League System (NLS) Steps 3-6 as part of a survey to gather
views on the continuation or conclusion of the 2020-21 league season, in
addition to the information set out in the Government’s roadmap this
week.
Submissions were made by 99.1 per cent of clubs at Steps 3 and 4, and
95.8 per cent of clubs at Steps 5 and 6. We would like to thank the
clubs for submitting their views and the time taken in providing
responses during what we appreciate is an incredibly challenging period
for everyone.
The results of the survey showed that over 76 per cent of all clubs
across Steps 3-6 indicated a preference to curtail the 2020-21 league
season if it could not be restarted with limited spectator numbers and
hospitality before 1 April 2021.
During this process, taking into account views of clubs and leagues, it
was decided that extending the 2020-21 league season beyond the end of
May 2021 would not be a viable option. This was due to various
considerations, including the financial implications for many clubs,
player contracts and the extent of the fixture scheduling issues caused
by the national lockdown and various postponements which had resulted in
there being 81 per cent of matches left to complete for Steps 3 and 4,
and 75 per cent at Steps 5 and 6.
Taking into account the survey results and the ongoing impact of
Covid-19, which continues to adversely affect incomes for clubs due to
restrictions on both spectators and hospitality, our alliance and
leagues committees have reached a consensus that, subject to the
approval of FA Council, the 2020-21 league season for Steps 3-6 of the
NLS should be curtailed with immediate effect, with no further league
matches taking place this season.
The committees will now present their collective recommendations to the FA Council for ratification.
It has also been decided that, subject to FA Council’s decision
regarding the curtailment of the season at Steps 3 to 6, both committees
will revisit discussions around a potential restructure at Steps 4-6 of
the NLS, which was previously agreed and has been on hold since the
2019-20 season. A further update on this will be provided in due course.