Lawyers write to the FA on behalf of 151 clubs to oppose null and void season

Lawyers write to the FA on behalf of 151 clubs to oppose null and void season affecting non league and women’s football in the UK.

Last week, the clubs co-signed a different letter and 4 MPs also voiced concerns, increasing pressure on the governing body to change their decision.

The nine-page letter from law firm Walker Morris, sent in the interest of three clubs — South Shields, Worthing and Hastings — who represent a further 148 men’s and women’s teams.

In March, the Football Association announced an immediate end to the season for all steps below the National League and all but the top two tiers of the women’s pyramid system.

The letter, which can be read in full HERE, called for a “thorough consultation” before the move is officially ratified by the FA Council and raised concerns about the process and timing of the FA’s decision.

It read: “The clubs request that prior to any decision being put to FA Council to be ratified, the FA should ensure that a thorough consultation process has taken place through the leagues to ensure that what is put to the Council to ratify is the will of the clubs.”

An FA spokesperson said the decision was made by “committee representatives for the respective leagues” and “fully supported” by the governing body.

It’s been signed by these clubs…

Fans tweeted after seeing that lawyers write to the FA on behalf of 151 clubs to oppose null and void season…

Well done to all those !

— Stu (@stu24jones) April 5, 2020

We are fully behind this. After the way the fa treated us we want the season back on

— Disability Football Foundation (@disabilityfoun) April 5, 2020

I am backing this all the way. The fa are treating me dreadfully atm and I want them to have a taste of what they have done to people. Ollie I would be more then happy to go in to detail over dm with you about what has been going on

— Caoimhe Patterson Vlogs (@CaoimhePublic) April 5, 2020

It is frustrating and I was probably the one moaning most, but with all these deaths happening I will be over the moon just to see us playing any football with everyone fit and healthy regardless of what they decide to do with leagues . Your a long time dead #KeepSafeEveryone

— D.J.L (@Daniell15149295) April 5, 2020

Well done to all those clubs. Those that haven't, then your clubs support failure .

— Paul (@Paul56614524) April 5, 2020

The other teams in the NPL South East are obviously happy to see their efforts, time and money go to waste and happy to see clubs doing well punished & clubs lower down the table let off the hook #PoorShowing

— Paul Buxton (@ColumbianBuck) April 5, 2020

Great respect for the few bigger clubs I can see on that list. Need more like @LincolnCity_FC, and sadly less like my own team, @SpursOfficial

— Ben (@BendubzGaming) April 5, 2020

When the FA declare every league including the Premier League ‘Null & Void’ then that would be fair and we move on, but they haven’t and therefore it isn’t. Consistency and fair play is all that non league clubs and fans are asking for. #oneruleforall #nonleague #footballfamily

— Stowgazy Pie ?⚫️? (@stowgazy) April 5, 2020

It’s quite simple in my humble opinion. Restart all the leagues post COVID-19. Let’s say that is, October 2020. Have an official Winter Break (from January to February) and complete the 2019-20 season in March/April. Void the 2020-21 campaign.

— Stephen Copping (@coppinocops) April 5, 2020

Don’t agree with this argument at all. Can just as easily be turned on its head by pointing out LOTS of clubs are keeping quiet and failing to support what’s objectively fair and right in sport because it doesn’t help them! Good teams will always be a minority in March!

— Spencer FC (@SpencerOwen) April 5, 2020

The @FA have to realise that next season is almost irrelevant. If we start next season late, who cares. Next season hasn't happened. We must finish this season to maintain the integrity of EVERY league. From Liverpool down to the Dog n Gun reserves.

— Jason (@JasonSewell11) April 5, 2020

Superb letter. Again, there is no argument to voiding the season apart from you underachieving and wanting to get away with your poor performance. The priority has to be to finish the season when safe

— Matt Le Cornu (@lespacecornu) April 5, 2020