National League season cancelled: What it really means for Hartlepool United, Chesterfield, Notts County, Yeovil Town and Wrexham

We take a look at why the decision has been reached, its implications for clubs and what comes next:

WHAT EXACTLY HAS HAPPENED?

The National League have confirmed that the 2019/20 season has been scrapped after a vote among clubs.

No matches have been played since March 16 – when the National League was suspended – and the outstanding fixtures will now not be played.

The decision also applies to the National League North and South, with the league claiming that a ‘clear majority’ of clubs signalled their intent to end the season.

WHY HAS THIS DECISION BEEN MADE?

The key motive behind the proposal of ending the season, which clubs ultimately voted in favor of, was to provide clarity.

With a number of clubs in the National League, and indeed in divisions above, in difficult financial situations, the clarification that fixtures will not be played in the short-term allows appropriate plans and measures to be put in place.

Clubs now won’t be holding out hope that games can be played in the coming weeks and can budget accordingly.

WHAT COMES NEXT AND WHAT DOES THIS MEAN IN TERMS OF PROMOTION AND RELEGATION?

This is still uncertain.

The National League statement released on Wednesday confirmed that discussions were continuing as to how the season will be decided. Options such as deciding the campaign on a points-per-game basis, or indeed declaring the season null and void, have been discussed.

Much may depend on the stance taken by the EFL and Premier League – particularly when it comes to promotion and relegation.

For the likes of Barrow, Harrogate and more, it’s now just a waiting game.

HOW WILL THIS AFFECT THE 2020/21 SEASON?

Again, this is unclear.

Much will, of course, hinge on how the outbreak of coronavirus regresses in the coming months and when it is declared safe for football to be resumed.

It’s very much a case of watch this space.