THE Football Association will recommend the curtailment of the season at stages three to six of the National League System with immediate effect.

The decision means step three Southern League South involving Poole Town and Wimborne Town is set to be curtailed, as well as Wessex Premier and Wessex One at steps five and six.

The impact of the coronavirus pandemic continues to take its toll at the levels of the football pyramid below the English Football League.

Since January 4, the lower divisions underneath the National League North and South have been fully suspended.

Earlier this month, National League North and South clubs voted in favour of their season being declared null and void – a decision which has been passed to the FA for ratification, where the issue of promotion and relegation will be discussed.

Lower down the pyramid – which includes competitions such as the Northern Premier League, the Southern League and Isthmian League – a survey was taken to gather views on the continuation or conclusion of the 2020-21 league season, done in addition to the information set out in the Government’s roadmap this week.

The results showed more than 76 per cent of all clubs who responded across steps three to six indicated a preference “to curtail the 2020-21 league season if it could not be restarted with limited spectator numbers and hospitality before 1 April 2021”.

The FA said it was decided extending the campaign beyond the end of May 2021 “would not be a viable option due to various considerations”, which included financial implications, and player contracts as well potential fixture scheduling issues with so many of the games still to play.

A statement from the governing body read: “Taking into account the survey results and the ongoing impact of Covid-19, which continues to adversely affect incomes for clubs due to restrictions on both spectators and hospitality, our alliance and leagues committees have reached a consensus that, subject to the approval of FA Council, the 2020-21 league season for Steps 3-6 of the NLS should be curtailed with immediate effect, with no further league matches taking place this season.”

The collective recommendations will be presented to the FA Council for ratification in due course.

A potential restructuring at steps four to six, which was previously agreed and has been on hold since the 2019-20 season, is to also be revisited, the FA also confirmed.