Southport FC’s 2019/20 League season has been placed in indefinite Coronavirus lockdown.
National League North, which the Sandgrounders currently compete in, was this afternoon suspended indefinitely. Also put on hold with no future date to resume are the National league and the National League South.
The National League Board has taken the decision due to the very serious and unprecedented national public health emergency caused by Coronavirus.
The National League is currently obtaining specialist legal advice, is consulting regularly with The Football Association and other stakeholders and is committed to involving its member clubs in a pending decision on how best to conclude the 2019/20 season.
Southport’s league season was originally postponed until April 3.
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But as the current Government lockdown continues, the unlimited extension to the suspension was announced at teatime today following an latest emergency meeting of the National League board.
Non-League football below Southport’s level, at Steps 3 to 7, was terminated with immediate effect by the Football Association last Thursday.
The decision which has sparked huge controversy after the season was declared null and void with no promotion or relegation.
A decision is yet to be made whether to void all of this season’s results in the National League, National North and National South. Any decision is complicated by the National League’s links to the professional game through promotion and relegation from the English Football League.
The Premier League, EFL, National League, National League North and South and Women’s Super League still aim to complete the 2019/20 season.
The National League statement says: “In consideration of the very serious and unprecedented national public health emergency caused by the coronavirus, the Board has taken the decision to suspend the National League, National League North and National League South competitions indefinitely.
“The National League is currently obtaining specialist legal advice, is consulting regularly with The Football Association and other stakeholders, and is committed to involving its member clubs in a pending decision on how best to conclude the 2019/20 season.”
More than 100 clubs have written to the FA over the decision to null and void their seasons, calling for it to “urgently” reconsider the decision.
Southport FC is urging people to support them through the Coronavirus crisis with the club facing such an uncertain future.
People can donate via a donations page.
Club Secretary James Tedford said: “These are unprecedented times for our club and there is no getting away that this may signal the end of many clubs across the pyramid.”
Should anyone wish to get involved or donate beyond the £500 mark, please contact James in the first instance by e-mail to secretary@southportfc.net it telephone 01704533422 (option 1).
