Several members of the footballing community in Staffordshire have voiced their opinions about the decision to ratify the cancellation of the 2019/20 season for steps 3-7 of the non-league season, as well as grassroots football.
Last month, the FA decided that these respective campaigns should end amid the ongoing coronavirus outbreak.
Since that announced, a petition to try top overturn the decision saw over 3,800 pen their names while over 60 representatives from non-league clubs, including a couple from Staffordshire, wrote to the FA to ask that it reconsidered its decision.
However, this decision has now been officially signed off following a meeting with statutory bodies on Thursday.
A spokesperson for the FA said: “The FA Council has ratified the decision to conclude the 2019-20 season across Steps 3-7 of the National League System, Tiers 3 to 7 of the women’s football pyramid and the wider grassroots game.
“The request to end the 2019-20 season was taken to the FA Council by the representatives of the relevant committees having been fully supported by the FA Board. The FA Council’s vote today was overwhelmingly in favour of ratifying the decision.”
North West Counties Football League (NWCFL) chairman Paul Lawler gave his honest thoughts, saying: “As I expected, the FA Council has backed the decision to null and void the season for Steps 3-7.
“I never thought they would overturn the decision but we made our voices heard. We never had any contact from The FA throughout this and find out the decision through social media.
“Thank you to everyone who has sent me their thanks for supporting clubs in the NWCFL. We run the League on behalf of clubs so I will always try and do what is right. Unfortunately the FAs decision leads to me concluding that football at our level isn’t important.
“Myself and my colleagues (all volunteers) spend a considerable time working to run a successful league. Tonight, I am seriously considering whether it is all worth the time, effort and stress involved. I am sure many other volunteers are feeling the same. Stay safe folks.”
NWCFL members Stone Old Alleynians tweeted: “A disgraceful way for the FA to treat very many well-established leagues and all those involved playing for, or running clubs.
“No respect at all for the views of those who represent far more teams and players than the elite professional clubs and leagues.”
One football supporter of another Staffordshire outfit said: “Disgraceful behaviour. No consultation. Not caring about the supporters, staff or the players hard work. Another case of people in their ivory towers not in touch with the people.”
Another football fan wrote: “Say goodbye to clubs who have invested their time and money. Non league clubs could fold as a result if they were in a good promotion chance situation.”
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WE HAVE MOVED! 