Gateshead denied EFL membership due to stadium uncertainty!

Gateshead FC have been denied EFL membership and will not participate in playoffs, the National League have reported.

Gateshead FC, who are currently 6th in the Vanarama National League have been denied EFL membership and will not be able to participate in this year’s playoffs as a result.

The club regained National League status after winning the National League North title in 2021/2022, finishing 14th in their first season back in 2022/2023.

Despite a much more positive season on the pitch this year, the club have now been thrown into uncertainty following a denial of their EFL membership.

Why have Gateshead been denied EFL membership?

According to a statement by the Vanarama National League, Gateshead were denied their EFL membership due to being unable to secure a 10-year tenure of their home stadium.

This is something that is required under the entry criteria for membership within the EFL.

According to the National League’s statement, Gateshead FC did attempt to get this security of tenure via Gateshead Council, but were ultimately refused despite the impact it would have on the club.

The League’s statement read:

“The club requested a 10-year security of tenure from Gateshead Council. This was refused. The National League wrote to the council in support of the application by the club highlighting the impact on the club, its supporters, and the local community if the security was not given.”

“Unfortunately, the response received was not supportive of the club’s requirements and placed the club at risk of a refusal of membership to the EFL and therefore forfeiture of any right to participate in the play-offs.”

“Under the rules, the club cannot be replaced, and they will be removed from the planned fixture on Tuesday 23 April 2024. The outcome of this is that Solihull Moors will get a bye to the semi-finals.”

“On 28 March 2024, following the deadline for licence applications to the EFL had passed, the Council offered options to the club. However, in the opinion of the EFL these options still did not satisfy their requirements.”

Gateshead FC are now left in uncertain territory after the denial of their EFL membership, with no report on what their next move may be in regards to the decision.