Non-league club BANNED from competing in promotion play-offs due to little known rule as rivals get handed a bye
GATESHEAD have been barred from competing in the National League play-offs, denying them the chance to earn promotion to the English Football League.
Gateshead finished sixth in England’s fifth tier this season, setting up a quarter-final clash against Solihull Moors.
However, the club have failed to get a “10 year security of tenure” at their stadium.
Gateshead have been playing at the International Stadium since 1971.
But they were unable to extend their lease for the next decade, with the arena owned by Gateshead Council.
Under EFL rules, clubs who can’t guarantee their future at a stadium for at least the next 10 years cannot become members.
And it means Gateshead have been barred from attempting to gain promotion to League Two.
They will not be replaced in the play-off either, with Solihull now playing Halifax Town instead, while Barnet – who finished fourth and were due to play the latter – have been given a bye to the semis.
The EFL’s decision comes despite FA Cup semi-finalists Coventry having been able to progress up the divisions despite also failing to secure a 10-year tenure at the CBS Arena.
Gateshead released a statement slamming the decision, insisting they plan to continue fighting after also having an appeal rejected by an EFL arbitration panel.
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It read: “Gateshead Football Club are extremely disappointed to find ourselves in the position as outlined in the statements released by the EFL and the National League.
“Rest assured we will continue to challenge both on their decisions, and we will endeavour to ensure that footballing matters are decided on the pitch.
“Therefore our players and staff remain 100 per cent focused on the task in hand, and we wish to go on record to express our gratitude to the National League for supporting our challenge to the EFL.”
The National League also released a statement, which revealed they were “extremely disappointed” at Gateshead’s exit from the playoffs.
It read: “Unfortunately the response received (from Gateshead Council to extend the lease) was not supportive of the club’s requirements.
“And (it) placed the club at risk of a refusal of members to the EFL and therefore forfeiture of any right to participate in the play-offs.
“On 28 March 2024, following the deadline for licence applications to the EFL had passed, the council offered options to the club.
“However, in the opinion of the EFL these options still did not satisfy their requirements.”
The EFL also released a statement, which read: “As the EFL strongly believes in the principles of promotion and relegation, it is therefore highly disappointing that appropriate solutions have not 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 achieves success through sporting merit.
“The League hopes that Gateshead and the 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.”