The Ebac Northern Football League has announced that it will not proceed with an end-of-season cup competition.

The Football Association (FA) curtailed the 2020-21 league season at Steps 3-6 of the National League System (NLS) in February due to the continuing impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

In line with the Government’s roadmap to lifting lockdown restrictions across England, the FA had issued guidance on Wednesday about the return of grassroots football from March 29.

However, that document did not include specific provision for clubs in the NLS, including information about the attendance of spectators and hospitality offerings.

“I know people will be disappointed but there is too much uncertainty for us to proceed,” Northern League chairman Glenn Youngman said. “It’s better to make a decision now so that everyone knows what the situation is as early as possible and so that clubs can start planning for the future.

“Hopefully we can now look forward to later this summer when we can start a new season afresh.”

Meanwhile, the league has announced the renewal of its long-standing title sponsorship deal with Ebac.