THE National League System, women’s football tiers three to seven and grassroots football’s season came to an end today, after the Football Association announced their decision to null and void the entirety of the 2019-20 season.

The move means there will be no relegations or promotions from those divisions, though the National League, National League North and South, Women’s Super League and Women’s Championship will continue to find the “most appropriate way to complete the current season, including for the Barclays FA Women’s Super League Academy.”

“These are challenging circumstances for English football and all decisions taken are in the best interests of the game and in consultation across key stakeholders,” the FA statement read. “Our primary concern will always be for the safety and welfare of clubs, players, staff, officials, volunteers and supporters during this unprecedented time.

“Today’s steps take into account the financial impact during this uncertain period, whilst considering the fairest method on how the sporting outcomes for the season will be decided with the integrity of the leagues in mind.

“The NLS and the women’s football pyramid were able to build a consensus amongst their leagues and, where possible, aimed to create a consistent approach across all leagues, whilst taking into account the unique characteristics of each individual league.

“As a result, The FA and NLS steps three to six have reached a consensus that their 2019-20 season will now be brought to an end, and all results will be expunged. This will mean no promotion or relegation of clubs between NLS steps three to six, and no promotion to NLS step two.

“These decisions will also apply to the leagues and clubs who play at NLS step seven.

“We will continue to assist and support the National League (NLS steps one and two) to determine the outcome of its 2019-20 season as quickly as possible. The planned implementation of the restructure of the NLS will also now be deferred until the start of the 2021-22 season.

“Throughout this period we continue to seek guidance in respect of the government’s financial support packages relative to Covid-19 and how they are applicable to clubs in the NLS, the women’s football pyramid and the wider grassroots game.”