We have received the following update from the FA and have been informed by the Southern League that there will be a statement from them issued to all Clubs tomorrow morning. If there’s anything in it that’s of interest we will obviously share it with you all.
UPDATE 6 – 19 MARCH 2020
PROFESSIONAL GAME UPDATE:
The FA, Premier League, EFL and women’s professional game, together with the PFA and LMA, have issued a new joint statement in relation to COVID-19 and the professional game in England.
“The FA, Premier League, EFL and women’s professional game, together with the PFA and LMA, understand we are in unprecedented times and our thoughts are with everyone affected by COVID-19.
We are united in our commitment to finding ways of resuming the 2019/20 football season and ensuring all domestic and European club league and cup matches are played as soon as it is safe and possible to do so.
We have collectively supported UEFA in postponing EURO 2020 to create space in the calendar to ensure domestic and European club league and cup matches have an increased opportunity to be played and, in doing so, maintain the integrity of each competition.
The FA’s Rules and Regulations state that “the season shall terminate not later than the 1 June” and “each competition shall, within the limit laid down by The FA, determine the length of its own playing season”. However, The FA’s Board has agreed for this limit to be extended indefinitely for the 2019/20 season in relation to Professional Football.
Additionally, we have collectively agreed that the professional game in England will be further postponed until no earlier than 30 April.
The progress of COVID-19 remains unclear and we can reassure everyone the health and welfare of players, staff and supporters are our priority. We will continue to follow Government advice and work collaboratively to keep the situation under review and explore all options available to find ways of resuming the season when the conditions allow.
We would all like to re-emphasise that our thoughts are with everyone affected by COVID19.”
NATIONAL LEAGUE SYSTEM UPDATE:
The FA is continuing to work closely with the Leagues in the National League System and is considering a number of options in relation to the conclusion of the 2019/20 season that fall in line with the advice being given by Government in respect of COVID-19.
Under the Regulations of the National League System (4.2) League fixtures are due to be completed by 25th April 2020.
As part of this process The FA will be inviting all Step 5/6 League Chairs to a WebEx meeting on Tuesday 24th March 2020.
GRASSROOTS FOOTBALL UPDATE:
The FA will continue to monitor the situation regarding grassroots football and will provide further updates in due course.
