Gateshead FC ruled out of playing in National League despite top finish
The team had finished within the top seven during the current season
Gateshead FC has been told it cannot play in the play-offs of the National League, despite a high finish at the end of the season.
The Tynesiders had finished sixth in the table following the last number of games to have been played on Saturday (April 20th).
However, despite the success of the team, the English Football League (EFL) has deemed their ground unfit to progress further in the competition.
The reasoning that the EFL gave was that the International Stadium, where the team play their home games, does not meet the criteria to play in the league due to the length of its lease from Gateshead Council.
As a result, Gateshead will no longer be eligible to play in the play-offs, with the Solihull Moors being given a bye into the semi-finals.
The National League has said it is "extremely disappointed" following the news, explaining that the club's request to extend the tenure of the team at the stadium was rejected by the local council.
In a statement posted to their Twitter account, Gateshead FC's Board of Directors said: "Gateshead Football Club are extremely disappointed to find ourselves in the position as outlines in the statements released by the EFL and the National League.
"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."
They continued: "Therefore, our players and staff remain 100% 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," the statement finished.