BREAKING NEWS: FA Cup first round CAN go ahead this weekend during lockdown in England with competition considered ‘elite’ despite non-league clubs being involved
The FA Cup first round will be played in full with the competition having been classed as ‘elite’ after the government plunged England back into lockdown.
There were concerns that the 10 teams in the lower reaches of the pyramid may not have been able to fulfil their fixtures due to non-elite sport being brought to a temporary halt on Thursday.
It has now been confirmed by the FA, however, that all 40 games will be played as normal despite the looming crackdown.
The FA Cup first round will be played in full this weekend despite the lockdown in England
A statement from the governing body said: ‘We can confirm that all Emirates FA Cup first round ties will go ahead this weekend as planned.
‘The UK Government has confirmed that the ten non-elite clubs that remain in the competition will be able to play their matches under elite protocols.
‘Matches will take place between 6-9 November 2020. All ties will be played behind closed doors, in line with COVID-19 guidelines.’
The FA asked for the whole competition to be classed as elite – and also requested exemptions to the rules for Skelmersdale, South Shields, Marine, Bishop’s Stortford, Banbury United, Canvey Island, FC United of Manchester, Cray Valley Paper Mills, Maldon & Tiptree and Yeading United.
After it was announced that coronavirus restrictions would once again be ramped up across England, the authorities confirmed that elite sport – namely the Premier League, EFL and National League – would be able to continue.
A spokesman for North-West Counties Premier Division club Skelmersdale had confirmed to Sportsmail on Sunday that their preparations for their tie against Harrogate Town were continuing as planned.
More to follow.