Coronavirus Kent: National League sides must wait for a decision as the season is suspended indefinitely
Published: 16:59, 31 March 2020
Updated: 17:11, 31 March 2020
The National League season has been suspended indefinitely as debate about how to end it continue.
A decision over how they wish to conclude the 2019/20 season has yet to be decided.
Non-league football between steps three and seven has already been declared null and void but that has drawn criticism. Over 100 clubs, including Kent side Herne Bay, have now put their names to a letter asking the FA to reconsider.
The chairman of leading Southern Counties East side Beckenham Town criticised the FA for a lack of communication before that decision was made.
Clubs in the National League will be consulted, however, before a decision is made.
Maidstone United co-owner Oliver Ash will be one of those calling for an immediate end to proceedings. He thinks the season is dead and buried.
The National League originally halted play until April 3, at the earliest, and now they have given themselves time to make their decision.
Their statement said: “The National League Board met earlier today and has reviewed its prior decision to suspend the competition until at least 3rd April 2020.
“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.”
Dover Athletic were chasing a play-off place in the National League before play was halted because of the pandemic. Their chairman has said the club has run out of money. Bromley were also in the hunt while Ebbsfleet United occupied one of the relegation spots.
In National League South, Dartford was the highest-ranked side in Kent, sitting sixth, ahead of Maidstone United, Welling United and Tonbridge Angels.
No team will be relegated out of the National League South after the FA announced that football below the National League has been scrapped.
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Luke Cawdell