Following the decision by the FA to conclude the 2020/21 football season with immediate effect, the Guernsey FA (GFA) and Guernsey Football League (GFLM) has confirmed the current season to be null and void and all of the results from the various competitions are to be expunged. In response to the FA announcement, GFLM issued the following statement:

‘Following the statement by the FA that all football from step 3 to grassroots is concluded for the 2019-20 season, the Board of the GFLM, in consultation with the GFA, has unanimously agreed the following.

• All Guernsey Football Leagues and Cups plus the GFA Cups, across all age groups, are declared void and all results are expunged for the 2019-20 season. The Board agreed to take a consistent approach across all competitions under its administration, whilst acting in the best interests of the game as a whole and preserving the integrity of those competitions.

• The GFLM will continue to liaise with the GFA and member clubs on the planning for the 2020-21 season, at all times seeking to protect the safety and welfare of our clubs, players, officials, volunteers and supporters during this challenging and uncertain time.

Guernsey FA Chief Executive, Gary Roberts commented:

‘Whilst the decision taken by the FA was not done lightly or without consideration of many factors, it was a decision that was right for the current situation as the UK and the Channel Islands fights the COVID-19 pandemic. The GFA recognises that there will be a range of emotions at this time, whether that be frustration and disappointment or relief and acceptance. Thousands of people in Guernsey are active participants in local football, whether that be as a player, coach, referee or club volunteer and the GFA recognises how much football means to everybody. At this time, the GFA would like to thank those dedicated, influential and important volunteers that run clubs and the GFLM for all of the work they have done in the 2019/20 season.

The focus for all in Guernsey now should be to continue following the directives and guidance issued by the States of Guernsey, and in doing so, this will support the process of football resuming and allow us all to then focus on the 2020/21 season, which will concluded with the island hosting the 2021 Island Games.’

The FA statement confirming the conclusion of the current season is below:

The Football Association [The FA] has been working collaboratively with the National League System [NLS], the Women’s Football Pyramid and the wider grassroots game since the outbreak of COVID-19 on how to conclude the 2019/20 season in the most appropriate way possible.

These are challenging circumstances for English football and all decisions taken are in the best interests of the game and in consultation across key stakeholders. Our primary concern will always be for the safety and welfare of clubs, players, staff, officials, volunteers and supporters during this unprecedented time.

Today’s steps take into account the financial impact during this uncertain period, whilst considering the fairest method on how the sporting outcomes for the season will be decided, with the integrity of the Leagues in mind.

The NLS and the Women’s Football Pyramid were able to build a consensus amongst their leagues and, where possible, aimed to create a consistent approach across all leagues, whilst taking into account the unique characteristics of each individual league. As a result, The FA and NLS Steps 3 to 6 have reached a consensus that their 2019/20 season will now be brought to an end, and all results will be expunged. This will mean no promotion or relegation of clubs between NLS Steps 3 to 6, and no promotion to NLS Step 2.  These decisions will also apply to the Leagues and clubs who play at NLS Step 7.

The FA will continue to assist and support the National League [NLS Steps 1 and 2] to determine the outcome of its 2019/20 season as quickly as possible. The planned implementation of the restructure of the NLS will also now be deferred until the start of the 2021/22 season.

Furthermore, we can now confirm that The FA has decided that all grassroots football is concluded for the 2019/20 season. This will allow the game to move forward and to commence planning for next season. Our County Football Associations [CFAs] will be supporting grassroots leagues over the coming days to determine how they should close out their current competitions.