Nantwich Town’s 2020-21 season has been curtailed with immediate effect due to the impact of the Covid lockdown, the FA has agreed.
It means, subject to ratification by the FA Council, that all Nantwich’s Northern Premier League games at Step 3 in National league system will not take place this season.
The decision will effect all leagues between Steps 3 and 6.
It follows an extensive survey and feedback from all clubs on whether they wanted to try and complete a season that has been badly impacted by national lockdowns.
In a statement from the FA, they said: “Our alliance and leagues committees have now considered the large amount of data and information submitted by clubs across the National League System 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.
“The results of the survey showed that over 76% 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.”
Committees will also be looking at a potential restructure at Steps 4-6 of the NLS.
This was previously agreed and has been on hold since the 2019-20 season.
(Pic by Jonathan White)
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