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Newcastle United Women's season ends with immediate effect
Written by Dan King
Newcastle United Women's season has ended with immediate effect as a result of the coronavirus outbreak, the Football Association has confirmed.
The FA Women's National League Division One North campaign was suspended earlier this month, and the FA have now announced that the season has ended, and that all results would be expunged from the record books.
A statement released on Thursday afternoon read: "We have been working collaboratively with the National League System (NLS), the women's football pyramid and the wider grassroots game since the outbreak of Covid-19 on how to conclude the 2019-20 season in the most appropriate way possible.
"These are challenging circumstances for English football and all decisions taken are in the best interests of the game and in consultation across key stakeholders. 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 statement continued: "The FA, FA Women's Board members and the Women's Football Conference have consulted and reached a consensus regarding the women’s football pyramid.
"The FA and the leagues within tiers three to seven have reached a consensus to bring the season to an immediate end and all results will be expunged. This will mean no promotion or relegation of clubs between tiers three to seven. Agreement has also been reached to end the Regional Talent Clubs season, which was due to conclude in April 2020.
"We remain in consultation with the Barclays FA Women's Super League and FA Women’s Championship Board and clubs regarding the most appropriate way to complete the current season, including for the Barclays FA Women’s Super League Academy."
The FA is reviewing all options as they seek to complete the 2019-20 Emirates FA Cup - where Newcastle United are due to meet Manchester City in the quarter-finals - as well as the Women's FA Cup, Buildbase FA Trophy and Buildbase FA Vase whenever it is safe and appropriate to do so.
The statement added: "Clubs involved are close to reaching a major final and for those clubs and supporters we will do all we can to keep the Wembley dream alive."
Photograph courtesy of Colin Lock/@Tyneside_NUWFC