WESTFIELDS are one of over 60 clubs across non-league steps three to six who have signed a letter challenging the decision by the Football Association to void and end the season.

When the decision was made to end the season Westfields were unbeaten in 26 league games with 20 wins and six draws, sitting 13 points clear of their nearest rivals with 10 matches to play.

The letter, signed by Westfields chief executive Andy Morris, and over 60 other non-league clubs starts by saying: “We are writing to express our profound concern and displeasure regarding the decision to null and void the entirely the 2019/20 playing season.

“Our concern is grounded primarily in the needless and inexplicable haste exercised in reaching the decision, coupled with the a total lack of substantive dialogue or consultation with affected clubs. The decision also disregards the millions of pounds invested and countless hours expanded collectively by clubs, and so has financial implications.

“We recognise this decision to expunge results still pends official ratification from the FA Council. However, we believe it is unacceptable that such a decision has been handed down to us in this manner. We urgently seek constructive dialogue with the FA with the aim to have the decision re-considered.”

The letter goes on to asks why the FA decision was taken ‘so hastily’ with plenty of time to play matches in the coming weeks and months.

It states that there was no consensus was ever reached amongst clubs and that some clubs were barely consulted.

It goes on to state that many leagues felt that a decision had been made before they were consulted and that many clubs were not given the opportunity to vote.

The letter also asks why steps one and two of the non-league pyramid have been treated differently to them.

The letter continues: “Most clubs in steps three to six have now completed 70 to 80 per cent of their league fixtures, and it is incomprehensible that these results should be delegitimised and expunged on the basis that the final quarter of the season cannot be fulfilled in the future.

“Simply put, there is no valid basis to expunge an entire season, especially at this stage.”

The letter continues that the issue goes beyond those challenging for promotion but the decision goes against the integrity of the footballing leagues.

“Our demand for the FA to reconsider its decision is also about sending a message to the fans of our clubs, who have spend hard-earned money to follow their teams up and down country, letting them know their support was not vain.

“We know it is well within the powers of the FA to ensure that this is the case.”

The letter questions why this decision has been made while the FA remains open to completing the FA Trophy and FA Vase involving teams at steps three to six of non-league.

It also states that the FA ‘cannot disregard’ the potential mental health impact on those involved in the running of non-league teams affected by the decision.

The consensus of the clubs that have signed the letter is similar to the Premier League and to see how the public health situation unfolds before deciding the next steps.

The letter states that among the options for serious consideration should be to deciding the final positions on points per game and states that the FA has used the system to decide final league standings before.

The clubs urge the FA to solve this issue ‘sensibly and democratically’ over the coming weeks, but says the alternative would be for clubs to embark on potential legal recourse.