FA confirms suspension of all non-elite football until December 2

The FA has confirmed that all non-elite football in England will be suspended until December 2 at the earliest, following the Government’s decision to enact a second national lockdown.

New COVID-19 restrictions will be in place across the country from tomorrow (Thursday) until Wednesday, December 2 and, considering this, the FA has moved to suspend the following competitions.

A four-week pause will be put on all fixtures and training for clubs in steps 3-6 of the National League System as well as those in the regional NLS feeder leagues. All fixtures and training in tiers 3-7 of the Women’s Football Pyramid.

All youth and adults’ grassroots football will also be suspended for the period; however, the Government has confirmed that school sport can continue as an exemption. The Government has also confirmed that this week’s FA Cup first round matches can go ahead as planned with the 10 ‘non-elite’ clubs still in the competition able to play the matches under ‘elite’ protocols. They are, however, only permitted to train together until tonight (Wednesday) and, should they progress, won’t be able to train together for the next round of the competition.

The FA said its aim is to ensure that the 2020-21 season is completed at all these levels and further updates are set to be made on the 2020-21 Women’s FA Cup, FA Youth Cup, FA Trophy and FA Vase.

An FA statement said: “Re-starting football at these levels has taken substantial determination and commitment from stakeholders across the game and we would like to thank everyone for their vital contributions.

“However, health and wellbeing remain the priority, so it is extremely important that clubs, players, coaches, match officials, league officials, volunteers, parents, carers and facility providers adhere to the UK Government’s new national COVID-19 restrictions during this period. We remain in dialogue with the DCMS, leagues, competitions and CFAs and will provide further clarification for ‘non-elite’ football in England.”