Gateshead claims they are contesting a ruling that prevents them from participating in the National League Playoffs this year.
The Heed have been informed that they don’t fit the requirements to join the EFL.
The main issue is that they do not now have the ten-year security of tenure at their stadium, which was necessary by March 1, 2024, for new teams to apply to join the EFL.
After finishing in fourth place, Altrincham will now go through with a bye into Sunday’s semi-final against Bromley.
FC Halifax Town will host Solihull Moors on Wednesday. Gateshead was initially scheduled to travel to Solihull Moors on Tuesday for the Eliminator, but they were originally confirmed as earning the bye.
On Saturday, Barnet will play the victors at their home field, Hive Stadium.
“The National League is extremely disappointed to announce that, as a result of an EFL decision, Gateshead Football Club has failed to meet the entry criteria for membership in the EFL,” a statement from the league said.
Gateshead will not be allowed to play in the playoffs this season as a result of the ruling.
“The club’s failure to achieve the 10-year security of tenure at its stadium, which was necessary by 1 March 2024 for new teams applying to enter the EFL, is the basis for this decision.
“The club asked Gateshead Council for a ten-year guarantee of tenure. This was turned down. The National League wrote to the council to support the club’s application, emphasizing the consequences of not providing the security for the team, its followers, and the neighborhood.
“Unfortunately, the response received was not supportive of the club’s requirements and placed the club at risk of a refusal of membership to the EFL and therefore forfeiture of any right to participate in the play-offs.
“On 28 March 2024, following the deadline for licence applications to the EFL had passed, the Council offered options to the club. However, in the opinion of the EFL these options still did not satisfy their requirements.
“The National League made representations to the EFL and are disappointed with the decision whilst at the same time recognise the entry requirements are clearly stated in the EFL rule
“An EFL arbitration tribunal rejected the club’s appeal, which the National League backed.
“As per the regulations, the club is irreplaceable, and they will be eliminated from the scheduled match on Tuesday, April 23, 2024.”
“The current situation under the rules is that the club will not be eligible to participate in the play-offs this season, although the club may consider further challenges.”
Sixth place finishers Gateshead said they will appeal the decision.
A club statement said: “Gateshead Football Club are extremely disappointed to find ourselves in the position as outlined in the statements released by the EFL and the National League.
“Rest assured we will continue to challenge both on their decisions, and we will endeavour to ensure that footballing matters are decided on the pitch.
“Therefore, our players and staff remain 100 per cent focused on the task in hand, and we wish to go on record to express our gratitude to the National League for supporting our challenge to the EFL.
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