FC Isle of Man's league membership suspended because of Covid-19 restrictions

Mon, 07 Dec 2020

FC Isle of Man’s playing membership for the North West Counties Football League has been suspended because of restrictions caused by Covid-19.

Both parties agreed the temporary suspension until the end of the season.

The decision allows the league to resolve ongoing fixture issues caused by the new tier rules in England.

The NWFCL have confirmed there is no risk to the side’s place in the league.

FC Isle of Man says the decision is a sensible one as the ongoing travel restrictions mean it’s unlikely that they would complete all required fixtures by May 2021.

Paul Lawler, Chairman of The North West Counties Football League, said:

“I would like to thank the Committee of FC Isle of Man for their continued communication throughout the pandemic. We are all disappointed that they have been unable to fulfil their ambition to begin life in the National League System due to circumstances beyond all of our control.

We look forward to their first competitive League game in 2021/22 when hopefully the pandemic is over and normality is restored.”

Paul Jones, FC Isle of Man Director of Football stated:

“This decision is a sensible one from both the League and our club’s perspective. The ongoing travel restrictions both here on the island and in the UK mean that it is unlikely that we would complete all required fixtures by the end of May 2021. Our temporary playing suspension from the League will allow the NWCFL to prepare the remaining fixtures for league and it will allow us as a club to continue the organisational, structural and administrative preparations required to place the club in an even better position in preparation for the start of the 2021/22 season.

We wish all other members clubs the very best for the remainder of the season and we look forward to meeting them properly and hosting their teams and supporters on the island next season.”

 

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