All football in England below the three divisions that make up the National League will end immediately and all results will be expunged.
It means there will be no promotion or relegation in these lower leagues.
The same will happen in the women’s game below the Women’s Super League and Championship level.
However, the National League, National League North and South, WSL and Women’s Championship will continue towards a conclusion “as quickly as possible”.
The Football Association said it was “reviewing all options” to complete the men’s FA Cup, which had reached the quarter-final stage, and other cup competitions.
“These are challenging circumstances for English football and all decisions taken are in the best interests of the game,” said an FA statement.
“Our primary concern will always be for the safety and welfare of clubs, players, staff, officials, volunteers and supporters during this unprecedented time.
“Today’s steps take into account the financial impact during this uncertain period, whilst considering the fairest method on how the sporting outcomes for the season will be decided, with the integrity of the leagues in mind.”
The decision applies to steps three to seven in men’s non-league football which contains 91 leagues.
All “grassroots” divisions below these tiers have also finished, but it has still yet to be decided whether these seasons are to be voided.
A planned restructure of the non-league system at lower levels has now been delayed until 2021-22. In women’s football, tiers three to seven have also ended.
Claret and Hugh say
If there was ever a big sign it is all about the money, this is it. Grassroots football has been abandoned but professional football must carry on at all costs because of the cash involved.
The Premier League, EFL and WSL fear long legal battles and a back lash from broadcasters and sponsors if they made a similar decision for their leagues.
The FA have made a very brave decision and they are right in their statement to say it is in the best interest of football.
unfortunately, it is double standards and the higher league will carry on kicking the can down the road for weeks and months to come before they would admit defeat.
Spare a thought for the Jersey Bulls who had already secured promotion to step five of the non-league pyramid, but their promotions will now be cancelled.
Jersey Bulls had won all 27 of their matches in the Combined Counties Football League Division One and were 20 points clear at the top.
