Central Midlands Football League to resume competitive football from April 10

The Central Midland Football League will resume competitive football from April 10.
Competitive football will return to the CMFL on April 10.Competitive football will return to the CMFL on April 10.
Competitive football will return to the CMFL on April 10.

League bosses have announced that the Premier North and South Divisions will be abandoned, but with the season records still standing.

No league champions will be declared with league football set to be replaced by what is described as a ‘World Cup/Champions League style tournament.

But the Division One seasons will be played to a conclusion with the champions of each division being offered promotion subject to ground grading.

A league statement said: “With an offered extension into June, there is no reason why we can’ finish the season.

“We are keen to complete the divisions, however – we will NOT force clubs to take part in concluding the season if they decide against it.

“Should any club decide not to play on, their record will be expunged from the division but at this stage, it will not be treated as a resignation.

“Instead, the club goes into “hibernation” until the pre-season for 21/22. Should any clubs withdraw after the re-commencement of fixtures then normal rules and discipline measures will apply.

“Should for any reason the leagues not be completed, the league reserves the option of declaring positions on a PPG basis if required.”

League bosses are currently waiting for further government guidance on if fans will be allowed to attend matches.

“We have heard many concerns from clubs that they do not wish to play matches without any sources of income and that is totally understandable,” the statement added.

“Here at Step 7 / Feeder League level we may have an advantage. It is clear that spectators are not allowed at Step 6 and above until mid-late May, but it is entirely possible that spectators MAY be allowed at Step 7 and below.

“We are awaiting the FA guidelines and this will follow after the DCMS make their own decisions.

“Let’s be optimistic and look at the best chance of meaningful, competitive football from mid-April to the end of the season.

“Doing that means we plan for a best-case scenario, and if at a later point decisions are made that put restrictions in place to scupper spectator attendance then we’ll have to abandon the idea – but at least we’ll have tried. We have to plan now, and if it turns out that all fixture planning was a waste of time and everything is abandoned, then so be it.”

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