THE Northern League has scrapped plans for an end-of-season Supplementary Cup competition due to the uncertainty regarding the Government’s decision to admit paying spectators.
Last month it was announced that clubs were being invited to take part in a tournament after Easter.
But in a U-turn, chairman Glenn Youngman said: “I know people will be disappointed but there is too much uncertainty for us to proceed.
“It’s better to make a decision now so that everyone knows what the situation is as early as possible and so that clubs can start planning for the future.”
Similarly, the Southern Counties East League have also ditched plans to hold their Supplementary Cup competition for the same reason of fans not being permitted to attend.
The decision was taken by the league’s board of directors at their meeting on Thursday.
A statement said: “Throughout this campaign we have always stated that football would only be feasible at our level if spectators were allowed to attend –a view shared by our clubs.
“Unfortunately, there has been no change in the guidance for non-elite football in the past few weeks so it was unanimously agreed that we would not be able to go ahead as intended with the competition.
“Clubs can resume training if they wish from March 29, but unfortunately we will not be providing any structured competition until the 2021/22 season.”
At the same time, however, 23 Combined Counties League clubs have elected to take part in an end-of-season Supplementary Cup.
The Fripp-Smith Trophy will begin on April 10 and follow a Champions League-style format with four groups, three of six clubs and one of five.
Farnham Town have offered the use of their ground for the final which will possible take place on May 22.
Also, the Hellenic League is to stage two Supplementary Cup competitions – the Bluefin Sports Challenge Cup and Bateman Sports Challenge Cup – involving 72 clubs in total.
