Sunderland say they 'accept' hugely controversial FA decision that ended ladies' title hopes

Sunderland have said they ‘accept’ the FA’s decision to declare the current FAWNL series null and void.
Sunderland captain Keira RamshawSunderland captain Keira Ramshaw
Sunderland captain Keira Ramshaw

The decision, announced on Thursday afternoon left the title hopes of Sunderland Ladies shattered as all games from this season were expunged.

Sunderland were sitting top of the FA Women’s National League North, with an 11 point advantage and a game-in-hand over second-placed Derby County.

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They were yet to be beaten in the league this season and they had also advanced to the final of the National League Cup final, having beaten Southampton last month.

In a club statement, Sunderland said that the team ‘will come back stronger than ever’ and said that it accepted difficult decisions had to be taken in light of the COVID-19 outbreak.

“Sunderland AFC Ladies’ 2019-20 season has ended with immediate effect due to the coronavirus pandemic,” the statement reads.

“The FA, FA Women’s Board members and the Women’s Football Conference consulted and reached a consensus regarding the women’s football pyramid on Thursday, with all results to be expunged.

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“As it stood, SAFC Ladies were top of the FA Women’s National League North and preparing for the FA Women’s National League Cup final.

“While today’s decision will lead to disappointment for players, staff and supporters alike, the club accepts it and recognises that in these unprecedented times, difficult measures must be taken to protect the safety and welfare of all within the game.

“Finally, everyone at SAFC would like to congratulate Mel and her players and staff on a fantastic season. We look forward to seeing you back in action, and we know you will come back stronger than ever.”

The FA announced its controversial decision on Thursday, in which it said that the top-two tiers of the women’s game were yet to decide on how they would bring their current season to a close.

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“In the women’s game, 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 statement reads.

“The FA and the Leagues within Tiers 3 to 7 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 3 to 7. 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 the Barclays FA Women’s Super League Academy.”

The decision leaves Sunderland’s promotion hopes seemingly in tatters.

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Promotion to the second tier is dependent on a successful application process, as well as results on the pitch.

Sunderland had begun that process but today’s statement strongly suggested that no teams will be promoted.