FOOTBALL for ‘non-elite’ clubs is to be suspended from Thursday until at least December 2.
The Football Association has confirmed the suspension following the UK Government’s announcement on new national Covid-19 restrictions.
The suspension from non-league step three and below is subject to Members of Parliament voting tomorrow (Wednesday).
All fixtures and training for steps three to six of the National League System will be suspended.
This will not include Hereford FC who are classed as an ‘elite club’.
All fixtures and training for tiers three to seven of the Women’s Football Pyramid will also be suspended.
Also suspended are fixtures and training for the regional feeder leagues (Herefordshire County League).
All fixtures and training for indoor and outdoor youth and adult grassroots football is also suspended.
“The FA’s aim is to ensure that the 2020/21 season is completed at these levels and will liaise with the relevant leagues to provide support and establish appropriate options to do so if required,” said a statement by the FA.
“The UK Government has confirmed that school sport can continue as an exemption during this period.”
Further updates on fixtures and dates for the 2020/21 FA Trophy and Buildbase FA Vase will follow in due course.
“Re-starting football at these levels has taken substantial determination and commitment from stakeholders across the game and The FA would like to thank everyone for their vital contributions, the statement added.
“However, health and wellbeing remain the priority, so it is extremely important that clubs, players, coaches, match officials, league officials, volunteers, parents, carers and facility providers adhere to the UK Government’s new national Covid-19 restrictions during this period.
“The FA remains in dialogue with the DCMS, leagues, competitions and CFAs and will provide further clarification for ‘non-elite’ football in England following the debate in the House of Commons tomorrow.”
