15 April 2020

Barnsley Women slam FA's decision to void their league, branding it 'severely flawed'

Barnsley Women have called the Football Association's decision to void the Women's National League 'severely flawed'.

A statement from the club added it was 'unfair to the women’s clubs, and not fit for purpose'.

It was announced last week that the third to seventh tiers of women's football would have their seasons voided.

The club have said the governing body did not take long enough to consider its decision and the FA should 'immediately suspend the decision to end the 2019-20 season and expunge results'.

“The whole process to make this decision in relation to the Women’s National League took less than 48 hours," the club pointed out.

“The Women’s National League raised concerns regarding the time frame and the speed of this process."

The decision to expunge results rather than look at a point per game system was chosen as the league had not completed half of the season.

An FA spokesperson said: “The decision to bring an end to the 2019-20 season in tiers three to seven of the women’s game was made in consultation between the FA, FA Women’s Board members and the Women’s Football Conference, which includes representatives of all the leagues in the women’s pyramid. 

“The members of The FA Women’s Board and the Women’s Football Conference reached a consensus that was unanimously supported by all the league representatives. 

"These are unprecedented and challenging times for everyone; however, the consensus was reached in the best interests of the women’s football pyramid and with the primary concern for the safety and welfare of clubs, players, staff, officials, volunteers and supporters."

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