THE Isthmian League have confirmed they are keen for the season to be brought to a premature end, but the National League are eager to allow the remaining fixtures to eventually go ahead.

Covid-19 has spread across the country, resulting in the public being urged to remain indoors and the football campaign suspended.

And Isthmian League chairman Nick Robinson revealed the leaders of the different tiers of non-league football are veering into different directions when it comes to questioning how the season should finish.

"The Alliance Leagues held the latest of several conference calls on Monday night after our own board, and those of the Northern Premier and Southern Leagues, met over the weekend to determine how we wish to proceed," said Robinson.

"We have also participated in calls with the step five and six clubs.

"The step three and four Leagues share clubs’ frustration that it is taking so long to determine whether the 2019/20 season is to end now, and if so on what basis.

"To maintain the integrity of our competitions, we ideally need to apply one solution across the whole of the National League System. However, this may not be possible.

"The Isthmian, Northern Premier and Southern Leagues are unanimous in wanting to terminate the 2019/20 season immediately.

"The step five and six Leagues also support the immediate termination of the season.

"Whether that is done on the basis of determining final placings via average points per game or the season is declared null and void cannot be determined until the National League decides how it wishes to proceed.

"Right now, the National League’s position is that they wish to be able to resume the 2019/20 season at some point.

"The feeder Leagues do not support this because our clubs do not have the financial resources to continue to honour player contracts indefinitely.

"The step three and four Leagues have therefore commenced the process to terminate the season.

"This has to be ratified by the FA Council, so there may be a short delay as the relevant documentation is submitted, distributed and approved.

"Whilst this process is ongoing, and once the National League has finalised how it wishes to proceed, competition issues can then be decided, together with the implications for promotion and relegation.

"As soon as the National League’s position is finalised, we will be able to confirm the basis on which the 2019/20 season has ended. As I have already pointed out, we need as much commonality across the National League System as possible.

"The FA is currently reviewing its rules to understand whether any emergency changes are required for season 2019/2020 which impact on player contracts, registration deadlines and retention/offers of re-engagement in the National League System.

"Given the fast-moving nature of the existing situation, this work is ongoing.

"Finally, at this very difficult time, I hope that you and your families will stay safe."