THE Pitching In Southern League board has suggested cancelling the 2020/21 season after all fixtures were postponed until March.
Banbury United in Premier Central and Didcot Town, Kidlington, North Leigh, Thame United and Wantage Town in Division 1 Central have already been on pause since the second national lockdown was imposed in November.
And after tougher restrictions were again put in place last week, clubs will be asked by the FA if they think the season should be terminated.
The Southern League, along with the Northern Premier League and Isthmian League, represents steps three and four of the non-league pyramid – the highest levels barred from training or playing during lockdown.
All three boards met after the third lockdown was announced and issued a statement suggesting the campaign should end.
It read: “All three of the trident leagues’ 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 Pitching In Southern Football League is postponing all fixtures up to and including Saturday, March 6 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.”
An FA statement read: “We are working closely and in consultation with the relevant leagues, clubs and committees to explore various scenarios for this current season, in response to the complex situation presented due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Further updates will be provided in due course."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here