FOOTBALL clubs across the country, including Northern Premier League side Workington AFC, have seen their remaining games of the season cancelled.

Following weeks of deliberation, FA alliance and league committees decided to abandon the remainder of the 2020/2021 season.

It is the second time Workington Reds have been well on the way to glory before the remaining fixtures have been scrapped.

The FA’s ruling which is set to be ratified in the coming days, effects clubs from steps three to six of the National League System. Teams were asked to have their say on the matter at the beginning of January.

A spokesperson for The FA said on Wednesday: “Taking into account the survey results and the ongoing impact of Covid-19, which continues to adversely affect incomes for clubs due to restrictions on both spectators and hospitality, our alliance and leagues committees have reached a consensus that, subject to the approval of FA Council, the 2020-21 league season for Steps 3-6 of the NLS should be curtailed with immediate effect, with no further league matches taking place this season.”

The season has been ‘curtailed’ for Workington Reds, meaning that their remaining games can not be played but the words “null and void” have not been used, it is not yet known what that means for football clubs.

Unlike the last season, The FA have not used the phrase “null and void” – leaving the chance that relegation and promotion could be possible.

Chairman David Bowden said: “The announcement isn’t totally unexpected in terms of the ability to carry on playing, I think they were waiting for a Government announcement.”

Non-league clubs like Workington cannot continue to complete the season behind closed doors without being able to open their bar.

“The date’s don’t work particularly well for us. We’re unable to pay costs with no income coming in.” said Bowden.

“That’s only one part of the story. They (The FA) haven’t used the words null and void.”

Bowden said: “It’s only my opinion but I just think they may be keeping their options open.”

It remains to be seen if results up to this point in the 2020/2021 season will still stand. The FA could decide to use a points per game system, combining results from last season with the few games played this season which many clubs have campaigned for.

Bowden said: “What they’ve said is they’re going to look at restructuring the league from steps four to six. We would have been in step three I think most people would accept that.We’re waiting to hear what restructure would mean.”

The chairman was glad to hear that null and void is not the language being used.

“It says they’ve learnt lessons from null and void they were premature in doing that last time.”