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Cancelled Season: the implications

Updated: Apr 2, 2020

Last week the FA Women's National League was pronounced null and void due to Covid-19.

The decision was made to end the season prematurely for health and safety reasons. This applied to the third tier of women's football and below, with the Superleague and Championship still awaiting an announcement.


However, many people were quick to complain, stating it was unfair to call the season null and void after so much time, effort, and money had been given from players, staff and supporters.


Many teams in these leagues had 10 matches or under left to play. Should the coronavirus last for another two months, there would still be enough time to play these remaining games before the 2020-21 pre-season begins.


This is the case for Lincoln City Women - who play in the fourth tier of women's football - and most of the teams in their league.


As well as losing the opportunity to play the final games, the teams have lost their chance for promotion. For this league, Wolves were favourites from the start and only lost one game in their 15 played. Whilst it would be mathematically possible for second-place Birmingham & West Midlands to lead by the end of the season, it is largely accepted to be unlikely. Wolves have, therefore, missed out on next season competing in a league above.


In these tiers of women's football, players have travelled for training and games, spending their own money on their expenses and not getting paid a penny from their teams.


However, above all else, players love what they do and have had their game taken away from them until next season - when isolation might not be necessary in a few months time.


Toni McHamilton, Lincoln City Women Development Team striker and captain, was leading goalscorer in her division when the season was nullified - scoring 26 goals in 14 games. Whilst these goal don't now 'count for nothing', it is still a blow to have them taken away.


The striker told Women on the Bench what she thinks of the current situation.



 

Whilst some men's football has also been called to an end, some teams have called for the decision to be reconsidered. More than 100 non-league teams signed an open letter to the Football Association (FA). Some MPs have even written to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport asking for intervention.

The letter - started by seventh-tier South Shields FC - states: "Our concern is grounded primarily in the needless and inexplicable haste exercised in reaching the decision, coupled with a total lack of substantive dialogue or consultation with affected clubs.

"The decision also disregards the millions of pounds invested and countless hours expended collectively by clubs, and so has critical financial implications."

 

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