National League outlines its position on non-fulfillment of fixtures after charges are issued

The charges have been issued to clubs in the National League North and National League South who have said they are unable to meet the costs involved with no funding in place, although the chairman of National League club Dover Athletic, Jim Parmenter, has said that unless the situation changes in the next few days he will have ‘no option but to furlough all staff, cut all possible expenditure and cease football operations’.

A number of chairman have taken to social media to hit out at the charges with one saying that the National League has ‘failed in your duty of care during this pandemic’.

But the National League has said the charges are routine and that all clubs will be given the chance to present evidence once it has been decided whether the season will continue.

“Many things have been written regarding charges recently raised in connection with non-fulfillment of fixtures under league rules,” the National League said.

“It may be helpful to explain that this process is merely a mechanism for the league to deal with each of the occasions for non-fulfillment. No fines or sanctions have been raised or recommended and this will be considered at the next stage.

“An independent panel will be appointed to hear each case and it will be at this stage the issue of ‘just cause’ as outlined in the rule will be objectively assessed in each case based on the evidence before them.

“In the interest in fairness of all parties, the cases will not be heard until such time as the outcome of the resolutions are known.

“It is important that the framework in place is followed in a consistent manner in all cases and clubs are able to make their representations appropriately and fairly.”

The statement adds: “The league will not make any comment during the process on individual cases in fairness to all clubs but will issue the outcomes and reasons for the decisions following their conclusions.

“Should clubs remain unsatisfied with the outcome they will have the opportunity to appeal the decision directly to the Football Association which will be heard by a further independent panel in line with FA rules.”