MK Dons Women's season has come to an end after the FA Women’s Football Board decided to curtail the 2020-21 campaign for tiers 3-6 of the Women’s Football Pyramid.
The decision is made with immediate effect, with the season declared incomplete and no further league fixtures taking place this season. There will also be no promotion and relegation between these tiers for the 2020/21 season.
The Women’s Football Board, taking into account the views of clubs and leagues, decided that extending the 2020/21 league season beyond the end of May 2021 would not be a viable option due to the operational issues faced by many clubs and leagues.
MK Dons SET Football Development Manager, Jack Sharp, said: “The news released by the FA hasn’t come as any great surprise. From the various consultation processes the Club has been involved in, it became apparent that this was going to be the likely outcome.
“This doesn’t take anything away from the players and coaching staff who have been brilliant this season. Their hard work and commitment has moved this football club forward in an exciting direction and laid the foundations for future successes.”
While their league season won’t continue, the Dons will still compete in the 2020/21 FA Women’s Cup. Charlie Bill’s side are set to face Watford in the Second Round Proper on Sunday 4 April.
“We are in a peculiar situation,” Sharp added. “Although our league season has concluded, the FA are committed to seeing the FA Cup through to its natural conclusion.
“The FA Cup is something this whole football club takes seriously and we will prepare the best we can to make it through to the third round.
“With restrictions not being lifted until the 29th March, we will only have a week with each other before the game, which isn’t ideal, but the players have demonstrated fantastic levels of professionalism to keep themselves fit at home ready to perform.”
Supporters who purchased an MK Dons Women Membership for the 2020/21 season are entitled to a refund to the value of £15.90 or they can choose to donate their £15.90 to the MK Dons Sport and Education Trust. If you wish to claim a refund, please email info@mkdonsset.com by 4pm on Friday 9 April 2021.
Jack Sharp said: “A massive thank you must go to our supporters and sponsors. For the two seasons I have been involved with the Women’s team they have been brilliant and I know many of them made a financial commitment to purchasing a Women’s membership for the season.
“We hope the above arrangements in place are well received, and we look forward to welcoming everyone back to Stadium MK in the future.”
