The Football Association have confirmed that steps three to six, including the Midland Football League, will end the season immediately with all results to be expunged.
There will be no promotion or relegation from those leagues this season, with the planned restructuring also deferred by a year to 2021-22.
It means the leagues will restart again for the 2020-21 season with the same clubs constituting the leagues.
In a letter to leagues, the FA said: “In assessing the available options for steps 3 to 6, we have considered the impact of any decision on the sporting integrity of the NLS (National League System) and football more generally, as well as any commercial or financial considerations for those involved in football at this level. We also need to consider the impact of any decision on season 20/21.
“Football is a broad church as there is no one-size fits all solution to the current situation across football. This means that consideration must be given to the unique circumstances of each level of the game, and a solution is reached which best serves the needs of each level.
“Consideration has been given as to whether the season could be extended indefinitely, or to some later date in the future in order for it to be completed. However, given the current uncertainty regarding when it will be possible to resume competitive football in England, and the fact that many clubs and contracted players want certainty over when football will resume, this option is likely to present great difficulties for football between Steps 3 to 6.
“On the basis that the season is ended now, consideration was given as to whether a mechanism should be used to calculate the final league tables and preserve promotion and relegation between Steps 3 to 6. Whilst inevitably some clubs will favour this option and the merits of this option have been fully considered by the FA and the leagues, it has been decided that this is not the best option to serve the particular needs of Steps 3 to 6 of the NLS.
“As a result, the FA and leagues at Steps 3 to 6 have therefore reached a consensus that the 2019/20 season for Steps 3 to 6 will be ended with immediate effect and all results will be expunged.”
The full letter can be seen by clicking here.
