THE DUCHY League season has been declared null and void, it has been confirmed.

League secretary Mike Newcombe explained: "The Football Association gave leagues outside the National League System two preferred options to conclude the 2019/20 season with nil chance of completing the campaign.

"The officers of the Duchy League considered the options and decided the only fair way to reach a decision was through a Special General Meeting held by email.

"With reference to the league season, the two options were to declare the season null and void, expunging all results, or deciding final positions by averaged points gained so far for the remaining games.

"The officers considered the first option the only sensible route to take as only just under half of league matches had been played by the time the league had stopped following the government lockdown due to the coronavirus pandemic.

"The second option was considered unfair as, with so few games completed, the points already gained depended largely on the strength of teams the clubs had played, and with many outstanding games between those at the top of some of the divisions, it would not give a fair reflection of the final outcome.

"The Football Association also gave options for the conclusion of cup competitions.

"It was at first hoped that an early release from lockdown could have allowed cup competitions to be completed in May, but this is now impossible.

"The other option was to play remaining cup matches at the start of next season but the officers considered this a problem with the qualification of players when clubs reach the semi-finals and final stage, expecting some players to have moved clubs and others not to have met the qualification standard required.

"The officers therefore again advised the competitions be annulled.

"Both recommendations from the officers were met with very large majorities and therefore the 2019/20 Duchy League and cup competitions have been annulled.

"The officers also asked for the clubs’ view on reducing the league down to three divisions next season and returning any cup competitions to a straight knockout process following the decision this season to play the early round on a group basis.

"This option would allow teams that have proved too strong for their respective divisions the possibility of moving up to a higher division in an overall restructure.

"The majority in this case was smaller but still quite conclusive and, subject to overall membership numbers will now be part of the planning process for whenever the league is able to resume."

Meanwhile, Newcombe has revealed that he will be stepping further back in his duties for the Duchy League next season.

He said: "Provided I am re-elected at whatever type of AGM we may be able to hold, I will only be dealing with player registrations in what will be my final season involved in Cornish football.

"I have held the role of registration secretary since 1981, so it seems an appropriate time to leave and, of course, I also served as General Secretary for 20 of those years."