Women’s game seasons cancelled in tiers three to six

The 2020-21 season in tiers three to six of the women’s game has been curtailed, the FA’s women’s football board announced yesterday.

All divisions below the Women’s Super League (WSL) and Women’s Championship have been declared incomplete with immediate effect. No further matches will take place and there will be no promotion or relegation between tiers three to six.

All leagues in the 2019-20 season were curtailed on 25 May 2020 after the season was suspended in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic – before tiers three to six were declared null and void.

The women’s football board said: “The women’s football board, taking into account the views of clubs and leagues, decided that extending the 2020-21 league season beyond the end of May 2021 would not be a viable option due to the operational issues faced by many clubs and leagues.

“Clubs and leagues will however be encouraged to provide playing opportunities over the coming months by organising alternative fixtures in some format, where they are able and feel comfortable to do so following the return of grassroots football from 29 March and in line with the appropriate guidelines.”

The women’s football board will now present their recommendation to the FA Board for ratification on the decision to curtail the season.

The Women’s FA Cup has also been on hold since 4th January, with only one of the second-round matches having been completed before lockdown started.