SIX Oxfordshire clubs could find out today if they face a further wait to restart league matches.
The county’s BetVictor Southern League sides attended an emergency Zoom meeting on Tuesday to discuss whether they can resume the season as planned next Saturday.
Competition organisers are expected to make an announcement today, with clubs in areas under the third tier of coronavirus restrictions not allowed to travel to play grassroots football.
Banbury United are in Premier Central, while Didcot Town, Wantage Town, Thame United, North Leigh and Kidlington all play in Division 1 Central.
Oxfordshire is in tier two, which permits teams to travel for grassroots football, but 16 sides across the Southern League are in tier three areas.
Clubhouses must close in the middle tier unless they operate as a restaurant and can only serve alcohol as part of a meal.
Thame host Risborough Rangers in a friendly tonight, before they return to competitive action at home to Bognor Regis Town in the first round of the FA Trophy on Tuesday.
The Southern League comprises steps three and four of the national league system, which is classed as ‘non-elite’ football.
This also includes the Uhlsport Hellenic League, which boasts several Oxfordshire clubs from the Premier Division down to Division Two.
Matches will recommence next Saturday as planned, but the schedule for the rest of December has been stripped back.
No games will be played on Boxing Day or in midweek, with the only fixtures after the first round back coming on the 19th and 28th.
Clubs in tier three will be suspended from playing unless matches can be scheduled with each other, which ‘will be part of a constant review’.
Oxford United Women are also still set to resume their Southern Premier Division campaign next Saturday, when they host Keynsham Town.
Under updated FA guidelines released on Tuesday, ‘non-elite’ football also includes regional national league feeder divisions and youth football.
Clubs at steps three to six can accommodate a ‘phased and limited return’ of fans if they are in tiers one and two.
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