66 Non-League Clubs Sign Letter to FA Asking for Reconsideration of Decision to Void Season

​Over 60 English non-league clubs have signed an open letter to the FA, asking the governing body to re-evaluate their decision to declare the seasons of leagues below the National Division null and void.

The coronavirus outbreak has led to football being suspended globally, but while the top five tiers in England are still aiming to complete the season, those below have had their campaign scrapped.

All divisions below the Women's Championship have also had their season's declared null and void.

There will be ​no promotion or relegation, despite Jersey Bulls FC and Vauxhall Motors FC already having mathematically secured promotion.

A total have 66 clubs have signed the letter expressing 'profound concern and displeasure' regarding the decision.

As revealed by the ​Non League Football Paper, the letter states: "Our concern is grounded primarily in the needless and inexplicable haste exercised in reaching the decision, coupled with a total lack of substantive dialogue or consultation with affected clubs. 

"The decision also disregards the millions of pounds invested and countless hours expended collectively by clubs, and so has critical financial implications.

"We urgently seek constructive dialogue with the FA with the aim to have the decision re-considered."

The clubs added that they understood the seriousness of the public health situation, emphasising that football was unimportant in comparison and that the leagues should obviously not look to resume until safe to do so.

They went on to question the hastiness of the decision, and why so few clubs were consulted and given the opportunity to vote on the matter.

The letter also asked why the National League were exempt from this, despite falling under the non-league umbrella, calling the decision to treat leagues differently 'incomprehensible'.

They questioned how this would work with regards to relegation and promotion to and from the National League. 

The letter concluded by pointing to the hypocrisy of cancelling the non-league season because of concerns surrounding contracts expiring in June, when this will apply to the Premier League and EFL, which have still been given the go ahead. 

The clubs signed off with: "There is no valid basis to expunge an entire season, especially at this stage. It is patently unjust to have a season’s tireless work annulled in such a manner.

"We stand ready to play our full part to help achieve a fair outcome, allowing the integrity of England’s football pyramid to be upheld in such a period of national adversity."