Decision made on whether to suspend non league football

A decision has been made on whether to suspend non league football following a meeting on Friday with the Premier League and EFL cancelled.

The National League have confirmed there is “nothing further to add at this stage” to yesterday’s guidance saying there is “no rationale” to postpone matches.

A statement read: “Following a Board meeting held today, the National League has decided to allow matches in its three divisions to proceed as planned this weekend.

“The National League will keep the operation of its competition under constant and diligent review, and will remain in compliance with government advice at all times.

“The Football Association has offered its guidance, and made it clear the decision to continue or to suspend a competition is a matter for each league to make.

“The National League places the welfare and well-being of all those involved in and connected to its competition as the highest priority.

“All Clubs and supporters are encouraged to stay up to date with the latest public health advice, which is available HERE”

Statement | National League Fixtures to Proceed this Weekend

➡️ https://t.co/1yUXVpalOA pic.twitter.com/f79YTNXULb

— The National League (@TheVanaramaNL) March 13, 2020

Harrogate Town have four employees currently under self-isolation for coronavirus and therefore requested postponement of tonight’s match which has been agreed by the league.

Boreham Wood v Torquay United has been postponed, due to the home side’s partnership and groundshare with Arsenal.

The English FA say for grassroots level it’s business as usual as per the government advice. Wales FA have chosen to halt domestic and grassroots football until April. The Scottish FA has suspended all professional and grassroots football in Scotland until further notice.

The Southern League has decided to postpone all games between tomorrow and next Saturday inclusive. The situation will then be reviewed.

The Northern Premier League has decided that all games will go ahead this weekend, with future fixtures being reviewed on Monday 16th March.

The Isthmian League board has decided that as an immediate step matches scheduled for tomorrow and next midweek will be postponed and we will review the situation daily as to when fixtures can recommence.

The Spartan South Midlands Football League were one of the first in non league to suspend their league.

Northern Counties East Football League has decided to postpone all scheduled Premier Division, Division One and League Cup ties with immediate effect.

Essex Senior League said: “As a precautionary measure we have postponed the games of Ilford, Enfield and Tower Hamlets. All players / coaches / managers / volunteers associated with those clubs should self isolate and seek advice from NHS 111”

United Counties League fixtures will go ahead “unless external forces dictate otherwise”.

The Northern League committee has decided to suspend all scheduled fixtures with effect from Saturday 14th March 2020 up until Friday 3rd April 2020.

It has been confirmed that Wessex League games this weekend WILL go ahead as planned.

The decision made on whether to suspend non league football caused a reaction on Twitter…

Fantastic news. If people on here are moaning the solution is simple: don’t go to the games

— Tom Murray (@TomMurr61657614) March 13, 2020

Absolutely brilliant, right choice made, ???? I congratulate you on been sensible and not following for the mass hysteria, even government are saying no need to cancel games, I think a few clubs will be glad of this, financially

— MBWLdurham?????????? (@MbwLdurham) March 13, 2020

You do know that just because the game is going ahead you don’t have to go?! No point getting cross about it!! (And if there’s less people there we can all spread out and it will be fine. ?)

— Jo Cole (@JocoleUk) March 13, 2020

What a poor decision. Can see many fans of Premier League and EFL teams going to watch NL teams play live meaning increased attendances which totally defeats the object ffs.

— DN (@Noooolan) March 13, 2020

I might get coronavirus but I’ll see an Akwasi Asante masterclass, so I’ll take it. Thanks ?

— Danny McNally (@DannyMcNally11) March 13, 2020

Get down to local national league club or watch the 2 national league fixtures on the tele. Help support local clubs ?

— Nathan Holt (@NathanHoltYt) March 13, 2020

Has nobody considered that normal premier league fans will go to national league games instead this weekend, much like during international breaks etc.

— Caitlin (@CaitMurray9) March 13, 2020

Good, these are only small crowds and without the income the clubs would really suffer.

— Adam Potter (@AdsCanary) March 13, 2020

Big pay day for them

— Mike (@mickmccarthy0) March 13, 2020

Money over matter

— Mark Adams ?? ??????? (@Markodarlo) March 13, 2020

Oh dear. Says something when the Southern League is calling games off but not National League.

— Jack Tanner (@mrjacktanner) March 13, 2020

Fair play to the National League to not get taken in by all this OTT reaction to all this. If not at one of theirs, I'll certainly be heading off somewhere, as usual. Each week, every week.

— George Cheetham (@georgercheetham) March 13, 2020

How the hell can the national league go ahead seriously?

— Kieren (@kingkieren10) March 13, 2020

National League…..Screw it lets play football

— Rob Mitchell (@1RobMitchell) March 13, 2020