Independent tribunal dismisses South Shields promotion challenge

South Shields are considering their next steps after their legal challenge to the Football Association’s decision to suspend promotion and relegation was dismissed on Tuesday.
The Mariners were leading the Northern Premier League‘s top flight and on course for promotion to National League North when football was suspended following the onset of the coronavirus in March and the UK lockdown.
An FA statement read: “An independent arbitral tribunal has dismissed a legal challenge brought by South Shields FC against the decision of The FA Council to end the season with no promotion or relegation at Steps 3 to 7 of the National League System due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The three person panel rejected the club’s arguments in their entirety that the decision was unlawful.
“The FA is acutely aware that any decision taken in such difficult circumstances would leave some clubs disappointed. However, we welcome the findings of the independent tribunal that the decision of The FA Council was taken after due and proper consultation and following careful consideration of the alternative options.”

An independent arbitral tribunal has dismissed a legal challenge brought by South Shields FC against the decision of The FA Council to end the season with no promotion or relegation at Steps 3 to 7 of the National League System. Full statement: https://t.co/NJszDDhznt. pic.twitter.com/NL2C2zgvg0

— FA Spokesperson (@FAspokesperson) June 9, 2020

To read the full text of the tribunal’s decision click here.

It is with great disappointment that the club can confirm a legal challenge relating to the decision to null and void the 2019-20 season from step 3 to 7 has been unsuccessful.
Full details ? https://t.co/jMjFmdXMen

— South Shields FC (@SouthShieldsFC) June 9, 2020

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