The EFL confirmed on Sunday that Gateshead will be withdrawn from this year’s National League play-offs, after failing to meet the “relevant qualification criteria to allow a club to be a member of the EFL”.
The Tynesiders finished sixth in the Vanarama National League, qualifying for a play-off place. They were due to face Solihull Moors on Tuesday in the first round of the play-offs, but the match has been cancelled.
The EFL confirmed the decision came in relation to Gateshead’s failure to secure a “10-year security period” at their home ground, the Gateshead International Stadium.
A statement from the governing body said: “The National League will not allow Gateshead Football Club to participate in this season’s Play-Offs as do the terms of the Club’s occupation of the Gateshead International Stadium, owned by Gateshead Council. no 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 complied with the requirements set out in the EFL Regulations.
“Despite the League working with Gateshead over last season and again in recent months, the Club has been unable to secure the position to play matches at its stadium for a minimum of 10 seasons.
‘All National League clubs must apply annually to the EFL if they wish to be eligible for promotion, which Gateshead did along with other clubs ahead of the November 30 deadline. Working with the EFL, clubs had until March 1 to ensure all relevant criteria in the EFL Regulations were met.
‘As Gateshead did not meet the security of tenure requirement, the EFL rejected their application. The Club appealed the League’s decision claiming it was unreasonable or unreasonable, but that appeal has now been rejected after being considered by an independent arbitrator.
“As the EFL believes strongly in the principles of promotion and relegation, it is very disappointing that no appropriate solutions have been put in place over the previous two-year period as avoidable circumstances are preventing Gateshead from progressing up the pyramid even if the Club reaches the success through sporting merit.
“The League hopes that Gateshead and the relevant stakeholders can address this matter so that the Club can fulfill the obligations of membership of the EFL and be eligible for promotion in future seasons.”
Gateshead also issued a statement expressing their “extreme disappointment” at the decision made by the EFL.
‘Gateshead Football Club is extremely disappointed to find ourselves in the position described in the statements published by the EFL and National League. Rest assured that we will continue to challenge both of their decisions and will strive to ensure that football matters are decided on the field.
“Therefore, our players and staff remain 100 per cent focused on the task at hand, and we wish to go on record to express our gratitude to the National League for supporting our challenge to the EFL.
“Due to the legality of this matter, Gateshead FC will not be making any further comment until it is appropriate.”
More to continue…