Coronavirus Kent: National League plan to bring early end to 2019/2020 season
13:30, 25 March 2020
updated: 15:26, 23 September 2021
The National League have told clubs they don't plan to complete the 2019/2020 campaign due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The league last staged fixtures on March 14 before following the stance of the Premier League and suspending all games until April 3.
However a statement sent out to member clubs reveals the league have asked the FA for assistance in postponing all remaining fixtures and to end the season as soon as possible.
The decision impacts on Dover Athletic, Bromley, Ebbsfleet United, Dartford, Maidstone United, Welling United and Tonbridge Angels.
The statement, from league chief executive Michael Tattersal, said: "As many of you will know, The National League held a board discussion yesterday (Monday), which was the third such meeting in 11 days.
"The broad consensus was that our clubs wish for a decision to be made to close the season as soon as possible.
"The National League attended a further meeting last night (by video conference) with The Football Association, and The FA have been asked to assist us with making the decisions to officially postpone all remaining National League fixtures and to end the season as soon as possible for the purposes of player contracts.
"The National League is also working with the FA to define all reasonable and practical options for the determination of the 2019/20 season, and to provide guidance to clubs on dealing with player contracts, player registrations and the application of the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme.
"We will continue to press for updates and will ensure that any further information is relayed to clubs as soon as it is received.
"The league is very aware that clubs are looking for answers and greater certainty, and we remain focused on delivering these in the most timely manner possible.
"Please keep the flow of information going with the league’s directors and staff, and be assured that we will respond as soon as we can when updates are available on the various issues.
"Finally, thank you to all clubs for submitting financial questionnaires.
"The data and comments have been reported to The Football Association, and we will continue to press for urgent additional assistance to be made available to National League and other non-league clubs.
"Above all we wish everyone a safe and healthy passage through these turbulent times."
The National League table as it stands sees Dover Athletic in 12th, but just four points off a play-off spot.
Bromley are just one place and two points behind them, with Ebbsfleet occupying the last relegation spot, a point below Wrexham.
Dover and Bromley had both played 38 of their 46 scheduled games and Ebbsfleet one fixture more.
Dartford lie sixth in National League South, three places above Maidstone, with Welling 13th and Tonbridge 20th.
Maidstone have seven games left, Dartford and Welling six, and Tonbridge nine.
On Tuesday it was revealed that teams competing in steps three to six were unlikely to play again after the leagues decided unanimously to terminate the season subject to FA approval.
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