Aston Villa Women promotion hopes left in limbo

It was announced yesterday that the FA Women’s Super League and Championship would be brought to an end amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

However, it was announced that no decision on issues like promotion and relegation would be taken until a later date.

That leaves Villa Women in limbo – six points clear at the top of the FA Women’s Championship and on target for promotion to the FA Women’s Super League with six games left to play.

If they are denied promotion, it could echo the disappointment suffered by Wolves Women, who were denied promotion to the third tier of women’s football when their season was voided at the end of March.

Wolves were nine points clear at the top of the FA Women’s National League Division One Midlands, with seven games left to play. A statement by the FA yesterday brought the top two tiers to an end, though a spokesperson said: “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.”

It added: “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 faces.