Southend United issued license to participate in 2023/24 National League Season
The National League issued a statement yesterday
The National League have confirmed that Southend United will be participating in the 2023/24 Season, after concerns for the U's taking part.
They released a statement, posted on Southend United's website last night, stating that they've been provided with "suitable evidence" by the club that they're now able to confirm their participation in this years season.
The statement, from the National League, says:
"The National League appreciate the current unsettling time for the supporters of Southend United FC and would like to set out the current position.
Following extensive and positive dialogue, including sight of suitable evidence provided by the Club, appropriate steps are being made by the Club to satisfy the League and secure its participation in the 2023/24 Vanarama National League season.
The Club has now cleared the debts owed to football creditors and as such the League has issued a licence for the Club to participate in the 2023/24 Season.
The Club, who can now move forward to commence the season, are also required to fulfil the following conditions:
a. The Club HMRC debt is to be discharged in full by their next court date, 23 August 2023. It should be noted that this remains a requirement from the League even if the court hearing is further adjourned past the 23 August 2023.
b. In addition, having discharged all outstanding Football Creditors, and all HMRC debt by 23 August 2023, it will be a condition of the license to ensure all new or any Football Creditors debts or HMRC debt are cleared on time to the satisfaction of the League at any point during the 2023-2024 season.
Should the above, set out in a or b not be satisfied, the Club will be subject to an immediate and automatic 10 points deduction. This is in addition to any other action deemed appropriate by the League when considering any new debt.
The League has made it clear to the Club the importance that not only the current debt is settled but the Club operates in a manner that ensures they operate sustainably moving forward."