26thjune03

Thursday 26th June 2003

Ryman League issue statement

The Board of Directors of the Ryman Football League earlier this week to consider the decisions taken by the FA Council at its meeting held on 21st June 2003.

The Board deeply regret the decision taken by the Council to approve the recommendations to implement a 1-2-3-4 structure for season 2004-2005 and to invite the Southern Football League to administer 2 of the "Step 4" leagues.

It is felt that the decision taken was unfair and that the member clubs of the League have not been treated with proportionality compared to member clubs of other competitions. It is also felt that the structure approved is not in the best interests of the game as a whole and therefore the Board intend to seek legal advice on the merits of a challenge to this decision.

No further comment will be issued by the League Board until that legal advice has been received.

The League will continue to contribute to the Working Party of the Alliance leagues to ensure that the interests of all member clubs are considered in the event that the structure approved by the Council does come to fruition.