Coronavirus: Chester FC season in limbo as National League 'suspended indefinitely'

The decision comes amid the continuing coronavirus crisis, which has forced the cancellation and postponement of all major sporting events and all outdoor sporting activity.

It also follows controversy in the lower leagues, where the FA announced steps three to seven in the non-league football pyramid would have their seasons wiped, effectively wiping the slate clean.

That caused anger among many non-league clubs, including the likes of Vauxhall Motors FC in Ellesmere Port, which had already secured promotion with seven games to go in the North West Counties Football League Division one South.

Under the announced system, their promotion would be cancelled and they would start the following season in the same division.

More than 100 non-league clubs have since written a letter to the FA expressing their anger and disappointment regarding the 'inexplicable haste' of the situation.

Taking a different tack, the National League has instead said the National League, National League North and National League South seasons would be suspended indefinitely.

In a statement, the league said: "The National League Board met earlier today and has reviewed its prior decision to suspend the competition until at least April 3, 2020.

"In consideration of the very serious and unprecedented national public health emergency caused by the coronavirus, the Board has taken the decision to suspend the National League, National League North and National League South competitions indefinitely.

"The National League is currently obtaining specialist legal advice, is consulting regularly with The Football Association and other stakeholders, and is committed to involving its member clubs in a pending decision on how best to conclude the 2019/20 season."

As things stand, Chester FC remain in the National League North play-offs, while over-the-border rivals Wrexham are one place above the National League relegation zone.