The Isthmian League issued a statement yesterday alongside the Southern and Northern Leagues confirming that all league fixtures up to and including the 6th March were now postponed. The three Trident Leagues also stated their belief that the 2020/21 season should immediately be stopped and declared null and void.
It is understood that clubs will soon be asked to complete an FA survey which will gather the views of all Step 3 and 4 clubs regarding whether the season should be terminated or not and if not, what the alternative should be. We await further news.
The Isthmian League statement is reproduced below and can be read directly on the league website here.
An update from Nick Robinson, Chair of the Isthmian League, on the options for the 2020-21 season.
The Pitching In Isthmian League – indeed each of the Trident Leagues – have today communicated with their member clubs as follows:
I am writing to update you with regard to the continuation, or otherwise, of the 2020/21 League season, given the latest position concerning the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Board of the Isthmian Football League has, together with our fellow Trident Leagues, reviewed the implications of the latest government lockdown. The matter was also discussed at length by The FA’s Alliance Committee earlier this week.
In order to reach a decision that will apply across Steps 3 & 4 in the National League System, and which is informed by the views of all clubs at Steps 3 & 4, you will shortly be asked by the Football Association to provide your club’s views on whether the 2020/21 season should be terminated and, if not, what the alternative should be. This will take the form of a short survey.
Independent of that survey, all three of the Trident League’s boards hold the view that the season should cease immediately and be declared null and void.
The ultimate decision lies with The FA Council, following a proposal made by the Alliance Committee but no proposal will be drafted until Clubs’ views have been collated and assessed.
In the meantime, the Isthmian Football League is postponing all fixtures up to and including Saturday 6th March since there is no suggestion that the national lockdown will be lifted prior to said date.
The League will continue to provide its Member Clubs with updates as and when it is able to do so.
In the meantime, take care and stay safe.
Yours sincerely
N R Robinson
Chairman
