The FA Women's National League is allowing teams to postpone their opening day league fixtures tomorrow due to the Women's World Cup final between England and Spain at 11am.
But that has led to an awkward situation with Halifax FC Women, who were Brighouse Town Women until a few months ago, and Newcastle United Women, with the game now off, but not without controversy.
The pair were due to play in the FA Women's National League Northern Premier Division this weekend up in Newcastle, but Fax wanted to postpone the game so their players were able to watch the Lionesses potentially make history, while Newcastle wanted the match to go ahead.
Both clubs released official statements, with Fax's coming first, as they said their players had made the decision to not travel up for the away game, though they respected Newcastle's reasons for not wanting to postpone.
📄 OFFICIAL CLUB STATEMENT
— Halifax FC Women (@HalifaxFCWomen) August 18, 2023
Please read below the statement released on behalf of our players ahead of the now postponed game away at Newcastle Utd. 👀👇 pic.twitter.com/hMkbg16tLJ
A Newcastle club statement followed shortly afterwards, where they said they had offered to move kick-off back to 3pm, instead of the original midday time slot.
In it, they also said they had offered a complimentary private room and refreshments so that the two teams could watch the World Cup final together, but that this was rejected by Halifax.
Fax believed that the travel arrangements were unworkable for them, with manager Rob Mitchell explaining why an overnight stay for his team was out of the question.
Who's paying for an over night stay? I think you're not quite aware that we are an amateur independent self ran club with no financial backing.. we can't just stay over the night before.. players may have work the night before or children to care for. 👀
— Rob Mitchell™ (@GBM33) August 18, 2023
The decision has proved divisive, with plenty defending one side or the other for their stance.
Fax's players also released a video underlining their thoughts on the matter.
A disappointing situation which unfortunately has led to us not playing this weekend. We just want to say good luck to the @Lionesses and hopefully they can bring it home for everyone this Sunday. We are proud of the Lionesses, and will be supporting them all the way! 🏴🦁 https://t.co/99e8HiQjKT pic.twitter.com/LXCFLpv5Ei
— Halifax FC Women (@HalifaxFCWomen) August 18, 2023
For now, the game is listed as postponed, and looks set to be arranged at a later date, though whether it is later deemed to be Halifax foreiting the game remains to be seen.
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