Maidstone United have voted to null and void the season.

The Stones say that without fans and without grant money they are unwilling to play on.

Clubs in the National League and National League North and South have been voting whether or not to null and the void the current campaign amid financial concerns by many about taking on loans to continue the season.

A statement from the club said: “We would still prefer in principle to finish the season uninterrupted and thereby provide some interest for our supporters at a difficult time but not if fans are unlikely to return any time soon and if no grants are available to compensate lost gate receipts.

“As most supporters will know, because there is an ongoing dispute with the National League and its board, we were deprived of some £100,000 of grant funding, which we should have received had the board acted according to government guidelines, as confirmed by the Independent Review Panel.

“This has created a significant shortfall of funds. It would be dangerous business practice to now try and borrow money, putting the club back into debt, possibly having to mortgage the stadium, just to play out this damaged season.

“The National League have now stated that grants are not an option. As a result we have voted to end the season rather than carry on.

“We will monitor events over the coming days, keep club staff and supporters fully informed and always act in the best interests of the club and its supporters.”

Clubs in the National South returned to action at the weekend following a two-week break. There was a hope that the government would be persuaded in that time to fund clubs at the top of the non-league pyramid with grants, rather than loans.

Maidstone were in FA Trophy action on Saturday, aiming to reach the quarter-finals, but were beaten by lower-league Hornchurch in a nine-goal thriller. The Stones are due to host Dorking Wanderers on Tuesday night in a resumption of their league campaign.

Some teams have already refused to play. Ebbsfleet United's game against Bath City was called off on Friday as their opponents were unwilling to return to action.

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