Independent tribunal upholds FA decision

By Ian Townsend

Legal challenge ends


The Football Association have just released a statement detailing the outcome of a legal challenge brought against them by South Shields FC. Shields, who were leading the Northern Premier League when coronavirus brought football to a standstill, were appealing the decision to end the Non League season below National League level without promotion or relegation being applied.

The statement reads as follows:

'An independent arbitral tribunal has dismissed a legal challenge brought by South Shields FC against the decision of The FA Council to end the season with no promotion or relegation at Steps 3 to 7 of the National League System due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The three person panel rejected the club’s arguments in their entirety that the decision was unlawful.

The FA is acutely aware that any decision taken in such difficult circumstances would leave some clubs disappointed. However, we welcome the findings of the independent tribunal that the decision of The FA Council was taken after due and proper consultation and following careful consideration of the alternative options.'

Where next?

Seven sign on for Nuts and Bolts Ashford United confirm their first squad members for 2020-21

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