EFL confirm Gateshead will NOT be permitted to play in the National League play-offs – just TWO days before fixture – after ‘failing to attain a security of tenure’ of their stadium
The EFL confirmed on Sunday that Gateshead will be withdrawn from this year’s National League play-offs after they failed to meet the ‘relevant qualifying criteria to enable a club to become a member of the EFL.’
The Tynesiders had finished sixth in the Vanarama National League and qualified for a spot in the play-offs. They were due to face Solihull Moors in the opening round of the play-offs on Tuesday, but the game has now been cancelled.
The EFL confirmed that the decision was related to Gateshead’s failure to secure a security term to play matches at their ground, Gateshead International Stadium, for a minimum of ten seasons.
A statement from the governing body said: ‘Gateshead Football Club will not be permitted by the National League to participate in this season’s Play-Offs as per the terms of the club’s occupancy at the Gateshead International Stadium, owned by the Borough Council of Gateshead, do. fail to meet the relevant qualification criteria to enable the Club to become a member of the EFL.
‘All other clubs allowed to play in the National League play-offs adhered to the requirements set out in the EFL rules.
Despite the League working with Gateshead over the past season and also in recent months, the Club has been unable to secure a permanent position to play matches at the stadium for at least ten seasons.
‘All National League Clubs are required to register with the EFL annually if they wish to be considered for promotion, which Gateshead did along with other clubs before the November 30 deadline. Working with the EFL, clubs then had until March 1 to ensure that all relevant criteria of the EFL regulations were met.”
According to the EFL, Gateshead had appealed their decision to reject their application to participate in the football competition.
An independent arbitrator subsequently rejected that appeal.
The statement adds: ‘As the EFL strongly believes in the principles of promotion and relegation, it is therefore very disappointing that appropriate solutions have not been put in place over the past two years as avoidable circumstances prevent Gateshead from moving up the pyramid . even if the Club achieves success through sporting merits.
‘The League hopes that Gateshead and relevant stakeholders can address this matter so that the Club can meet the obligations of EFL membership and be eligible for promotion in future seasons.’
Gateshead, who have amassed 75 points this season by winning 22 of their matches, have also released a statement expressing their ‘extreme disappointment’ at the EFL’s decision.
“Gateshead Football Club is extremely disappointed that we find ourselves in the position set out in the EFL and National League statements,” it said.
“Rest assured, we will continue to challenge both decisions, and we will do our best to ensure that football matters are decided on the pitch.
“That’s why our players and staff remain 100 percent focused on the task ahead, and we would like to express our thanks to the National League for supporting our challenge to the EFL.
‘Due to the legalities of this matter, Gateshead FC will make no further comment until it is appropriate to do so.’
More to follow…