It's over! Lewes FC Women finally learn their season will not restart

Confirmation came this afternoon that the FA Women’s Super League and Women’s Championship Board had decided to end the 2019-20 season for the Barclays FA Women’s Super League and the FA Women’s Championship, with immediate effect.

Lewes play in the Championship and were ninth when football was suspended two months ago, and with only one team due to go down from the 11-team division, that appears to mean they will start 20-21 in the same division.

It also dashes hopes expressed by Lewes as a club that TV companies could show women's matches on national TV alongside men's games if the campaign resumed behind closed doors.

Faye Baker, captain and goalkeeper of the team, tweeted: "Disappointed the season has officially come to an end but so grateful and proud to have led my team out this season! 19/20 over and out."

A statement from the FA Women’s Super League and Women’s Championship Board said: "Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, the FA Women’s Super League & Women’s Championship Board has been in regular consultation with clubs and key stakeholders from across both leagues to identify the most suitable and appropriate way to conclude the 2019-20 season, and to give clubs and players the clarity and support they need at this time.

"Following overwhelming feedback from the clubs, the decision to bring an end to the 2019-20 season was made in the best interest of the women’s game. This will also enable clubs, the FA Women’s Super League & Women’s Championship Board and the FA to plan, prepare and focus on next season when football returns for the 2020-21 campaign.

"Supporting the welfare of the clubs and players will continue to be our primary concern throughout this process, which also involved a robust and thorough examination of the logistical, operational and financial challenges that the game currently faces.

"Following full and thorough consultation with the clubs, the FA Women’s Super League & Women’s Championship Board has discussed various recommendations which will be sent to the FA Board to determine the most appropriate sporting outcome for the 2019-20 season.

"This will include identifying the entries for the 2020-21 UEFA Women’s Champions League, which would be based on sporting merit from the 2019-20 Barclays FA Women’s Super League season. We are not in a position to comment further until the FA Board has had sufficient time to consider all of the recommendations and options."

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