Several Non-League clubs have suffered this season. The bad weather has forced the postponement of matches, severely affecting their cashflow, and now the coronavirus epidemic looks set to cause football to be suspended.

If matches cannot go ahead, revenue from gate receipts, food sales, and the bar will dry up, thus causing many clubs to face an uncertain future. The FA need to step in and give financial assistance to non-league clubs, and to extend the season if possible to alleviate major fixture congestion. Otherwise, many clubs could be overwhelmed by a lack of funds, and the fixture congestion could cause players to be injured from playing so many games in such a short space of time.

Non-league and grassroots football provide a football fix to fans up and down the country who cannot travel to a Premier League or Football League side. It should be preserved and supported as much as possible, and therefore the FA should pick up the slack when the force majeure applies.