Spalding United’s BetVictor NPL South East Division campaign looks likely to end prematurely due to the coronavirus pandemic.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the Northern Premier League revealed that their wish is to terminate the 2019/20 season immediately.
But they admit that the best way to conclude the campaign is still to be ratified by the Football Association.
Their statement reads: “The Northern Premier League has been working alongside its fellow step 3&4 leagues, via the FA Alliance committee, to find a solution for the 2019/20 season that can, ideally, apply across all of the National League System.
“The NPL, Isthmian and Southern Leagues are unanimous in wanting to terminate the 2019/20 season immediately.
“Whether that is done on the basis of determining the final placings via average points per game, or the season is declared null and void cannot be decided until the National League’s intentions are confirmed.
“The NPL, Isthmian and Southern Leagues have made the FA of their wish to terminate the 2019-20 season, although any such decision has to be ratified by FA council.
“While this process is on-going, competition issues can then be decided, together with the implications for promotion and relegation.
“The league, via the Alliance, is lobbying the government, the Premier League and others for additional financial assistance.
“A recent survey amongst NPL clubs estimated the impact of Covid-19 on those clubs to be over £3.25m
“The NPL will continue to provide its member clubs with as much information, support and guidance as possible to assist them during this difficult time.”
Spalding, who have eight fixtures remaining, were 16th when football stopped and had no chance of reaching the play-offs and were also in no danger of relegation.
