EFL confirm Gateshead will NOT be permitted to play in the National League play-offs - just TWO days before fixture - after 'failing to attain a security of tenure' of their stadium

The EFL confirmed on Sunday that Gateshead will be pulled out of this years National League play-offs, after they failed to meet the 'relevant qualifying criteria to enable a club to be a member of the EFL.'

The Tynesiders had finished sixth in the Vanarama National League, qualifying for a spot in the play-offs. They were due to take on Solihull Moors on Tuesday in the opening round of the play-offs, but the game has now been cancelled. 

The EFL confirmed that the decision came in relation to Gateshead's failure to procure a security tenure to play matches on their ground, the Gateshead International Stadium, for a minimum of 10 seasons.

The outcome of the decision now means, per the National League, that Solihull Moors will receive a bye into the finals. 

A statement from the governing body read:  'Gateshead Football Club will not be permitted by the National League to participate in this season’s Play-Offs as the terms of the Club’s occupation at the Gateshead International Stadium, owned by the Borough Council of Gateshead, does not meet the relevant qualifying criteria to enable the Club to become a Member of the EFL.

'All other Clubs permitted to play in the National League play-offs adhered to the requirements as set out in EFL Regulations.

'Despite the League working with Gateshead throughout last season and again in recent months, the Club has been unable to attain security of tenure to play matches at its Stadium for a minimum of 10 seasons.

'All National League Clubs are required to apply annually to the EFL should they wish to be eligible for promotion, which Gateshead did alongside other Clubs by the 30 November deadline. Working with the EFL, Clubs then had until 1 March to ensure that all the relevant criteria of EFL Regulations were met.'

According to the EFL, Gateshead had appealed their decision to deny their application to join the football league. 

An independent arbitrator subsequently rejected that appeal.  

The statement adds: 'As the EFL strongly believes in the principles of promotion and relegation it is therefore highly disappointing that appropriate solutions have not been put in place over the previous two-year period, as avoidable circumstances are preventing Gateshead from progressing up the pyramid even if the Club achieves success through sporting merit.

'The League hopes that Gateshead and the relevant stakeholders can address this matter so that the Club can meet the obligations of EFL membership and be eligible for promotion in future seasons.'

Gateshead, who have amassed 75 points winning 22 of their games this season, have also issued a statement expressing their 'extreme disappointment' over the decision made by the EFL.

'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,' it read. 

'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.

'Due to the legality of this matter, no further comments will be made by Gateshead FC until appropriate.' 

Equally, the National League also expressed their disappointment over the decision, having written to Gateshead Council to help the club acquire the 10-season security over their ground. 

'The National League is extremely disappointed to announce that following a decision of the EFL, Gateshead Football Club has failed to meet the entry criteria for membership to the EFL,' a statement read. 

The league adds: 'The club requested a 10-year security of tenure from Gateshead Council. This was refused. The National League wrote to the council in support of the application by the club highlighting the impact on the club, its supporters, and the local community if the security was not given.

'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 rules.

'The National League supported an appeal by the club which was denied by an EFL arbitration panel.

The statement adds: 'Under the rules, the club cannot be replaced, and they will be removed from the planned fixture on Tuesday 23 April 2024. The outcome of this is that Solihull Moors will get a bye to the semi-finals.'

More to follow...