Local leagues rocked as season declared null and void

THE non-league football season came to an end yesterday (Thursday) after an FA statement cancelled all leagues below the National League due to the coronavirus pandemic.

All non-league, women’s and grassroots football have been cancelled, which affects the Sydenhams Wessex League, Southern Premier South and Southern Division One South.

The season was declared null and void after the FA stated the results had been expunged with no promotions or relegations from any division.

The FA statement said: “We have been working collaboratively with the National League System (NLS), the women’s football pyramid and the wider grassroots game since the outbreak of COVID-19 on how to conclude the 2019-20 season in the most appropriate way possible.

“These are challenging circumstances for English football, and all decisions taken are in the best interests of the game and in consultation across key stakeholders. Our primary concern will always be for the safety and welfare of clubs, players, staff, officials, volunteers and supporters during this unprecedented time.

“Today’s steps take into account the financial impact during this uncertain period, whilst considering the fairest method on how the sporting outcomes for the season will be decided with the integrity of the leagues in mind.”

Christchurch FC are one of the teams most affected by the news after their good run of form put them fourth in the Sydenhams Wessex Premier Division, 11 points behind league-leaders Alresford Town with four games in hand.

Joint-manager Wayne Smith posted on Twitter: “Now the FA have announced that the Wessex League will be null and void all I can say is what a great season we have had as a group.

“All the players/management team and people who work behind the scenes to be the last Wessex team in the FA Vase, in two cup semi-finals and in my opinion a great chance to win the league with the best goal-difference is a great achievement never the less.”